18/11/2013 - LESSONS FROM THE LEPER’S HEALING

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Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Mark 1:41

The leper learned that Jesus had power to heal him. This should be the first lesson we must convey to those who suffer; as a result, faith will arise in their hearts and when they come to church to receive their blessing, they will learn other precious lessons. Those who heed God and draw near to Jesus will learn what to do in order to obtain the divine favor. The leper did not just sit and watch or hide somewhere; rather, he was determined to talk to the Master.

The Word of God teaches us to seek the Lord’s presence and ensures that each step we take toward our Father, He will draw near to us as well (James 4:8). James assured that Jesus comes to those who approach Him; consequently, our hands are cleansed and we are enabled to do God’s work. God does even more: He purifies the hearts of the double-minded. So if you want to be firm in faith, get closer to the Lord.

It did not suffice for that sick man to be near the Master; he opened his mouth and begged Him to be healed, making urgent and repeated appeals. When the soul sees that God can give solution to its problems, it laments until its needs are met. The prayer that prevails is the one based on what the Word declares. So examine what it says to your heart and do not let laziness or shame deter you.

The leper knelt down before Jesus. The attitude of the supplicant counts a lot. He who does not perceive that the Lord is the only true God, does not give Him the praise He deserves. With that gesture, the sick man fulfilled a biblical guidance according to which we should bow down, kneel and worship before the Lord who made us. The Almighty knows why He registered this guidance in His Word, and wise is the man who fulfills it.

The leper heard Jesus ministering what many call the Constitution of the Kingdom of God: the Sermon on the Mount. He was convinced that Jesus could heal him, but was not sure whether the Master wanted to do it, that is why he prayed that way. Because we do not fully understand the Word there are many things we do not know whether He wants to give us or not. However, when we learn that a certain blessing is ours, there is no reason not to claim it.

The Lord did not leave that man in doubt and at that very moment He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying He was willing to heal him. Jesus can heal you too. He wanted to heal that man, so why wouldn’t He want to do the same for you? There is no partiality with God; He treats everyone equally (Romans 2:11). Regardless of who you are, consider yourself worthy of all the blessings that were given to any other person. God does not treat you differently.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares