“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.' Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,'
he said. 'Be clean!' And immediately the leprosy left him” (Luke
5:12-13, NIV).
Disfigured, dressed in tattered rags, his face hidden by rags, a man watches Jesus. His body is covered
with leprosy. Risking stoning, the leper rushes to Jesus, and falls
down with his face in the dirt at his feet. Without raising his head he
entreats, “Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean.” This leper
knows that to get within six feet of someone who is clean means that he
risks death. His determination to come to Jesus and his statement “if
you are willing” reveal remarkable faith.
There isn’t a question in the leper’s mind if Jesus can heal, but if he
is willing. In the leper’s sudden approach, Jesus recognizes the man’s
willingness to risk death in order to be healed. Jesus touches this man
whom the law has decreed to be unclean. “I am willing,” Jesus proclaims,
and heals him. Skin once ravaged by lesions, now suddenly appears clear
and unblemished.
This man has risked stoning to death in order
to seek healing, and his determination has found reward. But not only
his determination has made him rush to Jesus. His faith has spoken “if
you are willing you can make me clean”. This leper had faith enough to
believe, and faith enough to risk everything in order to receive. He was
willing to risk stoning or death even if healing was not in Jesus'
will.
Do you have this kind of faith? If you step out in faith,
it is a risk that guarantees a greater faith. It is a risk that
approaches the Savior knowing He has the power to heal, but that the
decision to heal or to grant your petition is not yours to make. Just as
the leper you are willing to risk all for something that you might not
receive. The leper risked everything; he persevered, and received. You
also need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you
will receive what he has promised (Hebrews 10:36). In your risk and
determination, and in His will, your promise is received.
Are you
willing to risk everything? You will discover, just as the leper, that
Jesus honors your risk. He knows the cost. You rush forward to Him, and
He declares you clean. There's no more ugliness and scar of sin. You
have risked death in order to receive life. He lifts you up to receive
greater faith, and all the promise that your surrender has secured.
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