Title
Without the Acclaim of Man
Scripture
His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
(Mark 5:31)
Devotional
Those who may stand out in the physical crowd are not necessarily those who stand out in the spiritual realm. We will inevitably notice the loud and the boisterous, the attractive and the splendidly sartorial, but God will always notice the faithful and the hopeful, the obedient and the believing. This woman was not after notice, she was after Jesus; she was not seeking recognition, she was seeking healing. When we proudly seek the acclaim of man, man’s acclaim is our prize. When we humbly seek the presence of God, God’s presence is our reward.
Jesus teaches us that the self-absorbed seek “to be noticed by men.” And that, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”(1) This woman, without fanfare, sought Jesus and received a wonderful healing and also a place in the history of eternity. If she would have sought the latter, I wonder if she would have received either? Without fanfare, without the notice of man, let us seek to touch even the hem of His garment.
(1) Matthew 5:17
Thought For The Night
“Don't confuse fame with success. Madonna is one, and Helen Keller is the other.” Humorist Erma Bombeck, (1927 – 1996).
Evening Text
Mark 5:31: His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”
Looking for Answers
· If God would use you mightily without the acclaim of man, would you be interested? Don’t answer correctly; answer honestly.
· Who do you attempt to impress?
· Are you willing to be content with touching the hem of His garment?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Who touched Me?” There were obviously countless people touching Jesus, but one person touched Him by faith and that faith was noticed.
Referencing: “For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well,’” Mark 5:28.
Applying: Touch Christ in prayer; touch Him in His Word; touch Him in the fellowship of the believers. By all means, touch Him and do so without seeking the acclaim of man.