Why should you come?
But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came. Mark 5:33a
Very recently, the denomination I grew up in faced some challenges which resulted in lawsuits. The outcome at best depicts a disunited assembly – a congregation with dissimilar agendas – physically assembled but mentally and spiritually apart – outwardly connected but inwardly disconnected. There’s really nothing wrong with that except that working towards a common goal would be a challenge for this particular group which is driven and motivated by different things.
Hundreds working in a corporation have diverse reasons for taking up an opportunity, so do thousands of worshippers who flood various sanctuaries weekly.
In our text, Mary – who had been sick for a long time having exhausted all her avenues and resources, came to Jesus. She came to see him like everybody else but her purpose was different.
For she said If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. Mark 5:28
Now that’s the reason she came. Not for another diagnosis, prognosis, temporary treatment or intervention. If you are Christian, she didn’t go for a word of knowledge, prophecy or direction; rather, peace and healing. In that moment, her position changed from that of a chronic patient to a survivor – case-study. The next time she showed up at the temple, she wouldn’t be connecting her seed to her need instead she would give a thank-offering, offer prayer of thanksgiving and not do spiritual warfare. That’s why she went!
The moment it happened for her was profound because 
the disciples couldn’t quite figure out why Jesus was asking such a ‘ridiculous’ question- Who touched me? Come on Jesus, are you for real? Yes, I was touched! This indicates that out of the many congregants who gather, only a few actually have an encounter. After the woman came – to testify (glorify and give account), knowing what had happened to her, Jesus said:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:34
Now that’s why she came. To praise the one who had turned her world around. Her private business may have become public knowledge, but she knew. Nobody would understand why she was teary, ecstatic and spinning around like she lost her mind, but it really didn’t matter to her because she ‘knew’ what had happened to her. What Jesus said shows you can have the breakthrough and remain in turmoil and pain.
Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine– where are they? “Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 17-19
Where are they? Who touched me? There is a blessing connected with thankfulness. I dare you to thank God right now. Yes even in your mess…. in the middle of your trail and while in the furnace. Don’t lose your praise!
Never go into God’s presence without showing gratitude for how far he’s brought you, He is a covenant –keeping God: What he did in the bible days and what he is doing in and around you can happen for you too. Your thank-offering can be praise other gifts or money. Have great expectations that it is your day even if all are by-passed; you would be visited, touched and healed. That’s why you should go!