‘When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.’ Mark 6:54-55 (NRSV).
The people of Gennesaret seemed to be in a frantic flurry. Rushing around to get to Jesus desperately seeking out what they wanted. They were more about taking than giving. Getting what they needed from the Healer and then going off again. Jesus was their quick fix to physical health. Perhaps we might call that ‘Consumer Christianity’ today.
Yet surely Jesus draws us to something far deeper than this. The people of Gennesaret missed out on what really matters most – relationship with Christ. Intimacy with Jesus that lasts a lifetime and beyond is what our soul cries out for. Physical healing is good, but relationship with the lover of our soul is better.
If we are racing around scrambling to get to every event and meeting that might help us receive a ‘touch’ from God, but not coming to Jesus to know Him deeply, we have missed the point. Activity to receive from Jesus is not the main thing. Knowing Him deeply and loving Him passionately, for who He is not what He gives, is.
‘Father you call me to something far greater than receiving a touch from you. You call me to relationship – deep, life sustaining intimacy. Forgive me for being satisfied with anything less. Thank you.’