Scripture: Mark 1.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Mark 1:40-42 (NLT)

40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”

42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

On our first reading of this we may feel sorry for the man with leprosy because we know that it is such an awful disease. We need to look at a few other factors in this story though, and apply them to our lives today:

1. The man had a desire to be healed of the disease that had a grip on him. He was tired of people rejecting him and scorning him. He wanted to be useful in his society, but had very real limitations because of his disease.
   
2. He had heard about the miracles being performed by Jesus, and he was convinced that he too could be healed.
   
3. He was in need so he didn’t demand anything of Jesus, but he wanted to make Jesus aware of his faith.
   
4. He didn’t feel so sorry for himself so as to exclude himself from the presence of, and possible healing from, Jesus.
   
5. Jesus had compassion on the man. I believe that he was touched by his boldness, his desire and his faith.
   
6. Jesus was willing to oblige. This sounds to me like Jesus may have meant: now that I see you are willing and ready for a miracle, I am willing to perform it.
   
7. Jesus has the power to do ALL things. This leper may have never heard about another leper being healed, but he had heard enough that he placed his faith and trust in Jesus and that He would fulfill His (Jesus) will for his life.
   

Friends, I believe that you will see that this story has many similarities to what we face today. We may have separated ourselves from God, from the church and perhaps even from the general populace. It’s not until we want to do something about that, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves that we can truly move forward. It is also important for us to stop and recognize the source of all power, all healing, all perfection. Then we must be willing to give up the old life, humble ourselves before a righteous, yet powerful God, and allow Him to heal us of our imperfections and provide the strength, boldness and direction for a new life in Him. What are you waiting for? Jesus is waiting for your decision, your wish, and your desire to see change in your life. Let it be today, friend. You may not be around for another opportunity tomorrow.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, what a powerful reminder this morning. Please help me to surrender my weaknesses and imperfections to You today knowing that as I am willing to receive a touch from You, and give up the illness/sin that hold me back, then You will answer my call for help. Like Mark in the very first verse of this chapter, I am excited about the ‘Great News’ of Jesus Christ, and I seek to allow You to have Your will and way in my life today, dear Jesus! Praise be to God!