Friday, June 5, 2009

#14 Chapter 5:12-16 Jesus heals the Leper


Read Chapter 5:12-16...then come back...

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, was a feared disease because there was no known cure for it then, and some forms of it were highly contagious. Anyone having leprosy was forced to live away from others as a result.
Leprosy had not only devastating physical results to the nerves which caused the victims fingers, toes and noses to literally rot off in severe cases, it had an enormous emotional impact and terror associated with it.

This particular man must have had an advanced case because it says "he was covered with it.

Lepers were shunned, not only because they were contagious, but because their appearance like in this mans case would have been was repulsive to those around him.

This poor man must have been absolutely desperate to have come into close proximity to anyone. It was forbidden for them to do so by law and they were considered "unclean" by the religious. He could have been stoned to death.

As I attempt to put myself in this mans situation, I would have been willing to do anything too, including being stoned to death to get rid of it.

He fell at Jesus feet begging..pleading for mercy and said..."If You are willing...You can make me clean"

Oh...I love Jesus' response because unlike every one else standing around who must have been shocked and repelled by him, Jesus reached out immediately with no hesitation, no revulsion and in His love and compassion gently touched him and said "I am willing...be clean"

So many times in my own life I have felt alone and desperate for someone to just love me and help me, and my Jesus is "always willing"..Always! Every single time!

In today's world there is so much pain and sorrow and desperation and far to few are aware and realize that our precious Lord is more than willing to reach out and touch them and heal them.

He is willing to heal us from all our infirmities; physically and emotionally and all we need to do is come like this man did and ask.

What did you learn from this story?

No comments: