Passage
Matthew 19:1-15 (ESV)
Go, Stand, and Tell the Words of Life
Acts 5:17-42
Key Verse: 5:20
Touch
Date: Sep. 23, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 19:15
First, the ministry of physical touch (1-2,13-15). Touch is wonderful! Jesus physically touched many, and was touched: "...which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled" (1Jn 1:1). He touched lepers, blind men, children, even his enemies, as well as his disciples before (Mt 17:7) as well as after (Rev 1:17) he was glorified, and even before his incarnation (Da 10:18). Jesus still touches people in tenderness and compassion to comfort and encourage, saying "Do not be afraid" (Mt 17:7). His touch comes in so many ways, and it brings such great comfort. Sometimes we even sense that he is giving us a hug. :)
Second, marriage (3-12). Physical intimacy in marriage is a very special kind of sacred 'touch'. It is holy, and the marriage bond between a man and a woman is never to be broken - "the two will become one" in mind, body and spirit. The marriage bed is undefiled, and must be kept so by honoring the husband or wife of our youth. Above all, marriage according to God's design, between one man and one woman 'until death do us part', must be held sacred, for this is the order that God established "at the beginning."
Prayer: Lord, help us to be gentle and tender in our relationships - with our spouses, our children and fellow believers. Give us compassion for one another so that we may deeply love one another.
One Word: Touch is a love language - be tender and compassionate towards one another.
