By Sara Wartes
Luke 5:13
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
In a small town in Galilee, there was a man who was covered with leprosy. His life was defined by his illness. Then he saw Jesus. He was so ashamed of his disgusting appearance that he fell with his face on the ground at Jesus’ feet. He cried out and begged, “Lord, if you aref willing, you can make me clean.”
Most people wouldn’t get near a man covered with leprosy. The crowd probably gasped in horror as Jesus stooped down, maybe even got down on His knees where the man lay in the dirt. And He touched him! He said, “I am willing, be clean.”
I can’t read this story without tears in my eyes. The man was instantly healed and restored to the community that had shunned him.
Word spread throughout the region, and many more people came to Jesus to hear His words and be healed.
Today, this story is still repeated in countless lives. When we see Jesus, surrender to Him, trust Him, and cry out to Him for help, we still hear those same words that our Savior spoke so long ago: “I am willing.” “I am willing to touch you. I am willing to clean up your life. I am willing to heal you. I am willing to give my life for you.”
Pray with me…
Dear Jesus, thank You that You were willing to touch and heal the leper in this story. It gives us such hope and assurance that nothing in our lives can separate us from Your great love. We come to You today with trust and hope, and we surrender our lives to You. Amen.