Devotion

Luke 5:12-13

While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately the leprosy left him.

Now think about it. Jesus had unlimited power. With a single word, He healed people from a far distance. He spoke the universe into existence. But in this instance, he chose to heal the leper by touch. This man was a social outcast. Diseased, unclean, and forced into exile by Jewish law. To come near a leper, let alone touch one, was forbidden. But He had great compassion on the man, and gently, lovingly put His hand on him.

Think of how the man felt at that moment. He asked Christ for just one thing - to be healed so that he would no longer live in pain and loneliness, and so that he could get a life back. Jesus gave him that and then some. This was the very first time in years that he had been touched by another human being. Jesus met his physical need, but also saw past it, and met the strong desire inside of him for the long absent, loving touch of a friend.

God isn't some far off, mysterious being who answers our prayers at a distance. He doesn't care about only one aspect of our needs, but longs to meet all of our needs. He's right there, waiting for you to ask Him to cleanse you. He knows your every need, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and He's waiting for you to ask so that He can amaze you with His response. Let Him blow your mind.



-- Mandy Carroll