Be Clean #22

A lifetime of rejection might just leave you predisposed to hopelessness.

Leprosy is a horrible disease, about 5 million people still suffer from it today, mostly in impoverished areas of the world.  In the ancient world there was a terrible social stigma associated with leprosy, and sufferers were banished to live isolated in leper colonies. Talk about adding insult to injury! 

No wonder the leper in Luke 5 essentially begged for the attention of Jesus – “would you be willing to heal me?”

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”And immediately the leprosy left him.

What is amazing, and should give all of us courage, no matter how “unclean” we are, is that Jesus was more than willing to embrace him with a dramatic “YES I am”

He touched the man, something no one else would be willing to do. And of course, when Jesus touches you, it’s game over for the defeated life,  and game on for the abundant life.

Instantaneously the lepers body – and mind – was transformed.

Just like that. From diseased and hopeless to healed and purposeful.

Take hold of this truth for your life. That story, like all of the stories in the Bible, are for you and me to understand the heart and character and intention of God.

No matter what your difficulty, no matter how far you have strayed, Jesus is always willing to save, heal and deliver. Not only is he willing, He is able. He can and He will act on your behalf.

“I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”

Receive His touch today!

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About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s the DAB readings for January 22: Genesis 44:1-45:28; Matthew 14:13–36; Psalms 18:35-50; Proverbs 4:11-13

Our church is also on a reading plan of four chapters per day, starting in the New Testament. Today is Luke 5-8.Â