This is a guest post by Eddie Bouknight
And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:2-3 NASB1995
Leprosy was considered a curse. It was evident by the appearance of the skin, it was ugly. Lepers were cut off from contact with society. They had to tear their clothes, uncover their head and cover their lips. When someone got close to them, they had to call out, “unclean, unclean”! They were to stay outside the camp. They were not allowed in the synagogue. For all practical purposes, they were outcasts. This leper worked up the courage to approach Jesus. He had faith if Jesus was willing, He could cure this dreaded disease. Through Jesus, he knew he could be made clean!
Can you, or someone you know, identify with the leper? Due to your past, or a current situation, do you feel “cut-off” from others? Do you feel your life is hopeless? Is there something going on in your life right now that makes you feel as an outcast at church or in your relationship with the Lord? Has sin affected your life like leprosy had this man’s? Be like the leper. Muster up the courage to approach Jesus with faith. He is ready, willing and able to cleanse you from your impurities. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).
Thank You Father for Your indescribable gift! Praise Jesus! Lord, You are filled with love, grace, and mercy that You abundantly pour out on Your children. We certainly don’t deserve it, but You give it to us anyway. Jesus help us during the struggles in our lives, when we feel dirty and defeated. Help us remember that You love us, and You will comfort, guide, and cleanse us. Give us Your strength Lord as we negotiate life in a dark and sinful world. It’s in Your sweet, powerful, and holy name we pray. Amen.
My Reflections From This Weeks Devotional:
To reflect on something is to give it deep and careful thought. Each Tuesday, I’ll post one guest devotional by Eddie Bouknight. Our prayer is that you read them, reflect on them, apply them to your life, and share it with someone else.
As I read this week’s devotional, I couldn’t help but wonder how this leper felt before and as he approached Jesus. Was there days he wanted to give up? Was he lonely? Did he pray that others would see him instead of his impurities?
And while, there has been times in my life that I have felt like an outcast or too far gone, my concern and prayer is that I have never made someone else feel this way or turned them away as they tried to share their burden with me. Our words and actions effect others. We can turn them away or we can turn them toward Jesus. Which do you do? We all have sin (impurities) in our life. Let’s give them to Jesus (1 John 1:9) and then point others to do the same. I know the leper felt cleansed after going to Jesus and so will we.
Leave a Reply