"...after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak. For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” Mark 5:27-28
There are many reasons people make their way to Jesus. Some come because they are called. Some come out of intellectual curiosity followed by what they feel is a logical decision. Others come out of need. In order to maximize our evangelistic efforts, it is important that we as Christians understand the motivations people have for coming to the Lord. The best place to research this (other than the Bible) is to consider first our own reason for coming to the Lord and then, through fellowship, understanding the testimony of those with whom we worship.
The story is told of the woman with the issue of blood. She had suffered for more than a decade, spent all that she had on doctors and was only made worse by their treatments. Having exhausted all that was within her means, she turned to the one about whom she had heard. She knew the stories of Jesus' miraculous deeds and thought within herself that if she could just touch him, all of her physical woes would be cured. To be sure, some may call this desperation. Jesus would later call it faith.
Beloved, this woman came to Jesus out of need and that is alright. We all have needs. Despite whatever reason with which we may label our own conversion, need is at the root of it. Recognizing this will allow us to help conduct those who are seeking (whether they realize it or not) to the great physician and lover of our souls. And if they should approach us, whether individually or as a visitor to a bible study or worship service, we can respond with compassion based on this knowledge.
Let us remember that the harvest is plenteous as we go about as workers in the kingdom.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
P.S. Some of you may know that I am pursuing a Masters of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. For this I humbly request your prayers. As part of an assignment, I was required to study, develop, write, preach and record a sermon on a specific text for a grade. I chose Mark 5:25-34. Realizing that some of you have never seen or heard me speak, I am making the link available to you. If you so choose, you may view the sermon at http://youtu.be/_tVkbgmJCms. I pray that you will be edified and encouraged.
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