by Pastor Daniel

Introduction
The phrase, “if only....” can be completed in many ways.  We play the game always. Sometimes they are good, sometimes they are bad.  However, as I am thinking of our coming church camp and the  Omega Replica Watches church, I am also asking a number of, “if only....”

If only more would sign up....
If only God would visit us....
If only ........

IF ONLY I COULD JUST TOUCH HIM
My thoughts went to those who wanted a closer relationship with Jesus.  There are a couple of them who asked this same question - if only....

There was this woman with an ailment.  She went to see all the doctors available during her days, until all her money was spent literally.  Her problem still persisted.  What would she do now?  To whom could she turn for help?  Is there any hope for her?

Then she heard of Jesus who does miracles and healings.  She thought, “Perhaps, here is a man who could heal me and lift me up of this misery.”  Then Jesus was on his way to Jairus’ home and she went to meet him asking, “If only I could touch the hem of his garment, I will be made well.”  Such was her faith, such was her hope.  Just a touch of the HEM of his garment - and that did it.  She was made well.

How much do we want of Jesus in our lives?  For this woman, whose name we do not even know, knew that just a tiny touch would be sufficient.  She knew that the connection would be enough to make her well.  She knew that to touch her Lord would make a whole world of difference.  And it did!  She was made well.

My dear brothers and sisters in FCC, how much do you think Jesus can make a difference in your lives?  How would He affect your life, your home, your work and your relationships?  

As I am thinking of this woman now, I crave for a touch myself because it would make a difference to my ministry and service.  I trust that in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, we would find ourselves saying, “If only.....”, seeking the Lord with all our hearts.

IF ONLY I COULD CATCH A GLIMPSE OF HIM
Then there is also a man, whom we know as a short man.  He is Zacchaeus.  He was rich, he had sufficient and more than sufficient materially.  He was a tax collector.  Was that not sufficient?  What else would he need?

Some of us are like Zacchaeus, feeling at this point of time that we think we have enough or others think we have enough.

While the woman was in need, Zacchaues did not seem so.  However, one day there was an urging within him when he heard that Jesus was passing the road towards Jericho.  He heard that Jesus was special.  He knew he must be somewhat special knowing what he has done in that region.  Thus, that day, he said, “If only I could catch a glimpse of Jesus...”  The outcome was uncertain for him, unlike the woman who knew what she wanted.

So forsaking all embarassment and inhibition, the day when Jesus was walking on that road and the crowd that was overwhelming, the only solution Zacchaeus knew was to climb up a sycamore tree.  “Oh, if only I could catch a glimpse of this man of God....” and up he climbed the tree, hiding behind the leaves on one of the sturdy branches.  He saw but what was unexpected was Jesus stopped on that spot and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down, I want to go to your home.”

We know the rest of the story.  What caught my attention was this eagerness of desire to see Jesus.

TOUCHED AND SEEN
In both the incidents, they wanted to do something.  The woman to touch Jesus and she was touched.  The man wanted to see Jesus and Jesus saw him.  The scripture says, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” is a truth seen here.  May we like them, desire Jesus just as much if not more, and the Lord desires more to touch and catch us.  As we come to the second part of the year, I pray that as a household of God, we will see God more real in our lives and may God be so real to FCC.  May the family in FCC be blessed with the experience of the Lord Jesus Christ as our  Cartier Replica Master and Savior.