Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Mark 5:28, ” For she said, ‘If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.’ “

Background

We have been celebrating my oldest daughter’s birthday all weekend long, and will continue to do so tonight, for today she turns thirteen for the one and only time. It started on Friday with a trip to the movies and then doughnuts with a bunch of friends and family. Saturday night she had a shopping trip and dinner out with a friend of the family. Last night was another dinner with cake and ice cream at some friends’ house, festively decorated by her brothers and adorned with her own bouquet of flowers. And today, she finally gets to have her ears pierced and then celebrate with one of her favorite meals at home. And as cool and exciting and memorable as this occasion is, our new teenager gave us something even more joyous to celebrate. She came forward in church on Sunday to publicly announce that she had given her heart to Jesus and wanted to follow Him in obedience and be baptized. For those of you who have experienced this moment with your child, you know the incredible sense of elation and gratitude for God’s grace and providence. There is no guarantee of salvation passing from one generation to the next, so the point at which your child places herself securely in the saving hands of God is one of supreme delight. She realized her plight without Christ and came to Him to be made well.

Application

And as much as I’ve prayed for her over these past thirteen years, I feel my job as intercessor has only begun. For too often this decision can lead the new believer to think that all is done, their destiny secure and all is well. But I want my daughter to know that following Jesus does not begin and end with merely touching His garment. Yes, her sin has been forgiven and she can do nothing more to be saved, but there is still tomorrow and the next day and the next. The enemy doesn’t take her off his list because her heart has a new owner, he merely changes his tactics. I want for my child to seek the full Jesus her entire life and not be satisfied with a touch of His clothes. Praise God it just began, and praise God it has no end.

Charge

As we seek Him today, do more than what appears to Christ as only touching his clothes. Go all in, all day, every day.