THE Lord Jesus is the same as in the days when He was upon earth, still full of mercy, joined with power, ever ready to save and to bless. Why are so few souls saved, when there is such a Saviour at hand? Why are there so many slaves, when He is willing to set them free; so many sick, when He is able to heal?
See Him pressed by a thronging multitude on every side (Mark 5:24-3424And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (Mark 5:24‑34).) But they have not touched Him. One person came close to Him—a feeble, trembling woman, who just ventured to put out her hand, and thus by faith she laid hold of Him whom the world does not know. The multitude around received no virtue from the Saviour. But this woman has a new life in her. They press around Him; but she has touched Him.
Here is the difference. Reader, is her case your own? Many attend and multiply their religious services; they are deeply impressed, and make many sacrifices, in order to have a sight of Jesus: But they have no real faith in Him; they press around Him, but they have not touched Him.
What more has this woman done than the rest?
1. She knew her disease. Are you aware of your real state as a sinner?
2. She knew that no earthly help could cure her. Are you brought to the knowledge of this truth?
3. She trusted that Jesus would not fail her.
Have you the same reliance on Him?
Have you truly applied to Jesus, the only Mediator between God and men? He was freely given by God for sinners, and He intends you to come to Him. Come, then, without delay. Hasten to this heavenly physician, ye sick and suffering souls. Touch Jesus, and you will know by experience that He is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever," whose word still holds good: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (Heb. 13:88Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8); John 6:3737All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).)