Jan 23 2008
Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
Reading for today: Genesis 7:1-5 and Matthew 8:1-13
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“When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew 8:1-3
Notice the 4 things about the leper.
1. He worshipped Jesus (acknowledging Jesus as God),
2. Called Him “Lord” (submitting himself to Jesus),
3. Said “if you are willing” (He knew Jesus could heal him if He chose to),
4. Said “You can make me clean” (He knew Jesus had the power to heal him).
Like the man in the story, we have a serious disease called sin. If we want to be healed, we must realize that Jesus is the One who can heal us and who has the power to immediately and fully cleanse anyone who asks.
I’m thinking about the multitudes that followed Jesus. I’m wondering how many among them were sick and hurting, how many wanted to run to Jesus but were afraid, or unsure, or embarassed.
I also know about the times in my life when I’ve been hurting, and how difficult it can seem to pray about it. I know I should just ask God for help, and yet I argue with myself about how small my problems are in comparison to other people who have much bigger burdens. I chide myself when I start to cry, and tell myself to “suck it up and get it together.” But this is altogether wrong! Jesus wants us to be in such close communication with Him that our every concern we can freely voice. We need not fear that we are bothering Him, or complaining unnecessarily. Everything that happens in our life, good & bad, is allowed by our loving Father and designed to draw us closer to Him. Why resist the urge to run to Him? He is willing to make us well!
Run Christian, Run!
“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched (me), saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately (I) was cleansed.” Matthew 8:1-3