The Transformative Power of Meaningful Touch and Blessing

 

Summary

In the Bible, families often serve as vessels for passing on blessings, though they frequently get things wrong. One crucial element of blessing is meaningful touch, which is a focus today. Meaningful touch, along with spoken words, painting a powerful image of the future, expressing high value, and deeply committing to someone, are essential components of blessing. The absence of these can lead to a sense of pain and longing, as illustrated by Dorothy's story. Dorothy, a student with a prominent birthmark, longed for acceptance and love, which she finally received from a compassionate professor. This story highlights the deep human need for blessing and touch, which often begins in childhood.

Jesus exemplified the power of touch. Despite societal norms, He embraced children and touched lepers, demonstrating that His life was more contagious than any disease or stigma. Jesus understood that blessing others through touch and presence was transformative. His actions teach us that our faith, compassion, and joy can be contagious if we get close enough to others.

The secret to blessing lies in being a blessing. God designed us to find joy and strength when we care for others. This principle is evident in God's promise to Abraham: "I will bless you, and you will be a blessing." Today, we are encouraged to bless others through meaningful touch, whether it's a hug, a handshake, or a gentle pat on the shoulder. Studies show that touch can lower blood pressure and improve emotional and physical health, emphasizing its importance.

In a world often starved for touch, especially among the elderly or those living alone, meaningful touch can be a profound gift. By blessing others with touch, we not only enrich their lives but also become part of their stories, making our own stories greater. Let us strive to be a blessing today, knowing that in doing so, we receive blessings ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Meaningful Touch: Meaningful touch is a vital component of blessing, offering comfort and acceptance. It can transform lives, as seen in Dorothy's story, where a simple touch and kind words brought healing and acceptance. This reminds us of the profound impact our touch can have on others. [02:52]

2. Jesus' Example of Touch: Jesus demonstrated the power of touch by embracing those society deemed untouchable, like children and lepers. His actions teach us that our compassion and faith can be more contagious than any stigma or disease. We are called to follow His example and reach out to those in need. [06:27]

3. Blessing Others to Receive Blessings: The best way to receive a blessing is to be a blessing. When we act with kindness and care towards others, we experience joy and strength ourselves. This principle is rooted in God's promise to Abraham and remains true today. [08:00]

4. The Importance of Touch in Health: Studies show that meaningful touch can improve emotional and physical health, highlighting its importance in our daily lives. We are encouraged to offer meaningful touch to those around us, knowing it can bring healing and connection. [09:08]

5. Creating a Greater Story: By blessing others with meaningful touch, we become part of their stories, enriching both their lives and our own. Our stories become greater when we connect with others through acts of kindness and compassion. [10:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:05] - Elements of Blessing
- [01:40] - The Pain of Missing Blessings
- [02:20] - Dorothy's Story
- [03:44] - The Hunger for Blessing
- [04:01] - The Reality of Touch
- [04:30] - The Importance of Story
- [04:59] - Jesus and the Power of Touch
- [05:50] - Jesus and the Leper
- [06:27] - Contagious Blessing
- [07:30] - The Secret of Blessing
- [08:30] - Meaningful Touch Today
- [09:08] - Health Benefits of Touch
- [10:06] - A World Starved for Touch
- [10:25] - Becoming Part of a Greater Story

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Meaningful Touch

Bible Reading:
1. Mark 10:13-16 - Jesus Blesses the Little Children
2. Matthew 8:1-3 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper
3. Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 10:13-16, how did Jesus respond to the disciples when they tried to prevent the children from coming to Him? What does this tell us about His view on meaningful touch? [05:16]

2. According to Matthew 8:1-3, what was significant about Jesus touching the leper before healing him? How did this act defy societal norms? [06:27]

3. In the sermon, Dorothy's story was shared. What role did meaningful touch play in her experience, and how did it impact her emotionally? [03:10]

4. How does Genesis 12:2 relate to the concept of being a blessing to others? What does this promise imply about the nature of blessings? [08:17]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to touch the leper before speaking words of healing? What does this action reveal about His understanding of human needs? [06:27]

2. How does the story of Dorothy illustrate the human need for acceptance and love through touch? What might this suggest about the importance of physical touch in our relationships? [03:10]

3. In what ways does the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 reflect the idea that blessings are meant to be shared? How can this principle be applied in our daily lives? [08:17]

4. The sermon mentioned that meaningful touch can lower blood pressure and improve health. Why might physical touch have such a profound impact on our well-being? [09:08]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when a simple touch, like a hug or a pat on the back, made a significant difference in your life. How can you offer similar gestures to those around you this week? [09:47]

2. Jesus' actions showed that His compassion was more contagious than societal stigmas. How can you demonstrate this kind of compassion in your interactions with others, especially those who might feel marginalized? [07:30]

3. Consider the people in your life who might be starved for touch, such as the elderly or those living alone. What specific steps can you take to offer them meaningful touch in a respectful and appropriate way? [10:06]

4. The sermon emphasized that being a blessing to others can bring joy and strength to ourselves. Identify one person you can bless this week through a simple act of kindness or touch. How do you anticipate this will impact both you and them? [08:00]

5. How can you incorporate the principle of meaningful touch into your family or community life? What are some practical ways to ensure that those around you feel valued and loved through your actions? [09:08]

6. Reflect on the idea that our stories become greater when we connect with others through acts of kindness. How can you intentionally become part of someone else's story this week? [10:25]

7. In what ways can you make your faith, compassion, and joy contagious to those around you, similar to how Jesus did? What specific actions can you take to ensure your presence is a blessing to others? [07:44]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Meaningful Touch
Meaningful touch is a profound expression of blessing, offering comfort and acceptance that can transform lives. In the story of Dorothy, a student with a prominent birthmark, we see how a simple touch and kind words from a compassionate professor brought her healing and acceptance. This illustrates the deep human need for touch and blessing, which often begins in childhood. Meaningful touch, along with spoken words and a commitment to others, forms the foundation of blessing. The absence of these elements can lead to a sense of pain and longing. As we reflect on the power of touch, we are reminded of its potential to bring healing and connection to those around us. [02:52]

"Then he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him." (Genesis 8:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who might be longing for acceptance or comfort. How can you offer them a meaningful touch today, whether it's a hug, a handshake, or a gentle pat on the shoulder?


Day 2: Jesus' Contagious Compassion Through Touch
Jesus exemplified the power of touch by embracing those society deemed untouchable, such as children and lepers. His actions teach us that our compassion and faith can be more contagious than any stigma or disease. By reaching out to those in need, Jesus demonstrated that His life was more contagious than any ailment. We are called to follow His example, understanding that our presence and touch can be transformative. In a world that often isolates and stigmatizes, Jesus' example challenges us to break down barriers and extend love and acceptance to all. [06:27]

"And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." (Matthew 8:3, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community or circle might feel untouchable or isolated? How can you reach out to them in a way that reflects Jesus' compassion and love?


Day 3: The Joy of Being a Blessing
The best way to receive a blessing is to be a blessing. When we act with kindness and care towards others, we experience joy and strength ourselves. This principle is rooted in God's promise to Abraham: "I will bless you, and you will be a blessing." By blessing others, we not only enrich their lives but also become part of their stories, making our own stories greater. This reciprocal nature of blessing encourages us to actively seek opportunities to bless those around us, knowing that in doing so, we receive blessings ourselves. [08:00]

"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent opportunity you had to bless someone. How did it impact you, and how can you continue to seek out ways to be a blessing to others this week?


Day 4: The Health Benefits of Meaningful Touch
Studies show that meaningful touch can improve emotional and physical health, highlighting its importance in our daily lives. In a world often starved for touch, especially among the elderly or those living alone, meaningful touch can be a profound gift. By offering meaningful touch to those around us, we not only enrich their lives but also promote healing and connection. This understanding encourages us to be intentional about incorporating touch into our interactions, recognizing its potential to bring comfort and well-being. [09:08]

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your daily interactions. How can you incorporate more meaningful touch into your routine to promote emotional and physical well-being for yourself and others?


Day 5: Becoming Part of a Greater Story Through Blessing
By blessing others with meaningful touch, we become part of their stories, enriching both their lives and our own. Our stories become greater when we connect with others through acts of kindness and compassion. This interconnectedness reminds us that our actions have a ripple effect, impacting not only those we directly touch but also the broader community. As we strive to be a blessing, we contribute to a greater narrative of love and connection, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion. [10:25]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a time when someone else's kindness became a significant part of your story. How can you intentionally create moments of connection and blessing for others, becoming part of their stories?

Quotes


One of the most striking things about Jesus to me is of all of the great teachers that have ever lived so far as I know I don't know if anyone who is the master of the touch the way that Jesus was so that when little children were brought to him and in the ancient world they were down at the bottom of the status pole his own disciples uh said to their parents you know the Master's got too much to do he doesn't have time for this and that would have been kind of understood in that ancient world but Jesus says no let them come to me and then the text says uh in one version of this story and he took them in his arms and he blessed them. [00:04:54]

There is a hunger inside every one of us to be blessed and where that starts when we're real little is just to be touched Gary used to talk about how for little children when something was touch that's kind of when it became real ever go to Disneyland I kind of like going to Disneyland and if you're there with a little kid and all of a sudden they see goofy or Mickey Mouse or Snow White when there is a hug and they can touch then they become real. [00:03:44]

Moved with compassion this professor leaned over gave her a hug and then kissed her on her cheek where the birth mark was and said that's okay God and I still think you're beautiful Dorothy cried uncontrollably for almost 20 minutes soon other students had gathered around her and were offering her their comfort as well when she finally could talk as she dab the tears from her eyes she said to the professor I have wanted so much for someone to hug me and say what you said why couldn't my parents do that my mother won't even touch my face. [00:03:01]

And certainly not touched and the leper comes to Jesus and asks to be cleansed and uh leprosy was the one uh malady in the you might have not noticed this if you read scripture much where um it wasn't said to be healed it was said to be cleansed because a leper was unclean and Jesus um reaches out and touches the man and he touches the man before he says the word that cleanses the man that heals the man he touches the man when according to the law it was still against the law to touch that man because that man was a leper and no Rabbi would touch him with a 10-ft pull but Jesus did because Jesus kind of understood he had a blessing to give um Jesus life was more contagious than the lepers leprosy. [00:06:00]

Gary used to talk about meaningful touch you might put your hand on somebody's shoulder or give somebody a hug or just shake their hand and um give it a squeeze as my wife would say when you're at the end of it now it's not just any touch Gary said he cited a study from UCLA let me get this information right where um uh it showed that touching can actually lower a person's blood pressure um uh uh and in fact this study found just to maintain emotional and physical health men and women need 8 to 10 meaningful touches each day. [00:08:38]

God has created us uh in such a way that um when we act towards other people to give to them to try to help them to notice them to care about them when I do that for somebody else um I receive joy and care and power and strength and healing inside of me and that's why at the very beginning of this movement of God's people when God is talking to Abraham he says I will bless you and you will be a blessing and all the peoples of the earth will be blessed by you. [00:07:56]

Today uh bless somebody and in particular keep in mind meaningful touch Gary used to talk about meaningful touch you might put your hand on somebody's shoulder or give somebody a hug or just shake their hand and um give it a squeeze as my wife would say when you're at the end of it now it's not just any touch Gary said he cited a study from UCLA let me get this information right where um uh it showed that touching can actually lower a person's blood pressure. [00:08:34]

We live in a world that is often so starved for touch elderly folks um maybe people that don't live within a family can go days at a time just without skin on skin so today you can receive a Blessing by being a blessing give the gift of meaningful touch in your story will become part of somebody else's story and that's when your story starts to get great. [00:10:04]

What jesus carried within him was more contagious than what lepers and Sinners and the self self-righteous carod and if he could just get close enough to people if he could just touch them if he could just touch them they would catch it so get close enough today for somebody to catch your faith your compassion your joy your generosity because here's the great secret when it comes to blessing and this is the law of the Kingdom the best way to have a blessing is to be a blessing. [00:07:00]

Gary said one time he was talking about that in a marriage seminar and he saw a husband lean over to his wife go one two three four so like that the finger poke is not a meaningful touch de a moment today and with somebody in your life in a way that is appropriate and respectful and honoring just God. [00:09:31]

Jesus says no let them come to me and then the text says uh in one version of this story and he took them in his arms and he blessed them or another time when a leper comes to Jesus and of course leprosy was uh the scourge of the ancient world uh it was in many ways what uh AIDS was at the height of its greatest destructiveness and fear in our own Society something that also had a moral stigma that would cause people to be rejected. [00:05:26]

The best way to have a blessing is to be a blessing God has created us uh in such a way that um when we act towards other people to give to them to try to help them to notice them to care about them when I do that for somebody else um I receive joy and care and power and strength and healing inside of me. [00:07:56]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 23, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?