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Moya Lethbridge

Mark 10v2-16

Quota of hugs?  Friendship hugs.  Charismatic renewal taught how to hug safely.

Jesus “took the children in his arms” – safe touch essential for children.  Cf orphan babies who died lacking touch.

Safe touch essential for adults too.  Marriage a trusted relationship – should be a safe place.  “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…What God has joined together let man not separate”.  God’s perfect way.

Tragic and painful effects of divorce on body soul and spirit.  What was meant to be safe touch, loving and tender, torn apart, destructive.   If you have a good marriage – give thanks.

Chris and me.  Soul searching, no unfaithfulness but divorce.  Deeply repentant.  Divorce not the unforgivable sin nor adultery (though may feel so) but need to take seriously.  Seek forgiveness.  Our sinful society hasn’t done this.

The body a temple of the Holy Spirit for believers – requires utmost purity all through New Testament. 

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship”.  (Rom. 12:1)

Jesus used his body to encircle the children safely – Psalm 40: “a body you have prepared for me…I delight to do your will, O Lord”.  Put hands on them each one and blessed them.

For us too – Friend in another town prays for grandchildren who are asleep by putting hands on them.

Restoration of handshake at the peace – touch imparts blessing.

1/3 women or men sexual abuse incident minor of major.  Some here, me too.  Memories may be buried but has an effect.

Where is God?

Totally against bad sexual touch – “Be holy for I am holy”.  Jesus, three years 24/7 with 12 men – “Which of you accuses me of sin?”  No-one.  Us too (unlike some leaders).  “Flee fornication”

God grieves for and feels pain of every child or adult suffering from scars of abuse, divorce or adultery.  “In all our afflictions he is afflicted”.

Jesus bore it all – experienced the searing shame, sense of uncleanness, fear of touch, raging anger on cross.

Can and will provide cleansing of heart, mind and body by the Holy Spirit when I bring my brokenness to him – offer body trusting in his safe acceptance.

Imagine his arms around me and you like those little children, his hands on each head imparting blessing and healing.

“My delight is in you” (Isaiah 62:4)