May 31
Mark 1:40-45
On Friday, we talked about how Jesus has the power to heal us. The part that stands out in the verses today is that Jesus is willing to heal us. There is a big difference between ability and willingness. This is a really silly example, but it reminds me of my brother in law. He has this amazing ability to find lost sewing pins and needles….with his feet! It is like they have magnets in them. If there is a pointy object within a 10 foot radius, the man will step on it. Now, just because he has been given this outstanding talent, doesn’t mean he enjoys using it, and he certainly never volunteers to use it! How many times have you heard someone say, “Just because I can doesn’t mean I will.”? A lot of people believe this about God. I have heard countless stories of people who believed that God was there, and that He had the ability to save people, but that He wouldn’t want to save them. A lot of people think that they are too bad or have messed up too much for God to have any interest in them. The leper in vs. 40 knew Jesus could heal him, but he didn’t know if Jesus would want to. “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (NIV) Jesus was willing to physically heal this man. And God is willing to spiritually heal anyone, no matter how shady their past may be. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) “[God] wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4 NIV) Most of the people doing this study already know this and have already been spiritually healed by God. But remember it is our job to be fishers of men, and there are millions of wounded souls out there. People that think God would never want them. These verses would make great shiny lures to keep in our tackle boxes!
Principle: Jesus reacts compassionately to faith in Him and is willing to be a source of healing.
Application:
1. What situation or person will I bring today to Jesus for healing?
2. What body, soul, or spiritual needs to I have that I would like to bring now to Jesus for healing?
3. In what way have I hindered to work of Jesus by my disobedience to Him?
4. Will I obey Christ in each small detail today no matter what it costs me?
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The phrase that echoes in my mind is the beginning of verse 41, "Filled with compassion, Jesus..." It is so difficult to keep a soft heart. The needs of our world are overwhelming. My prayer is that I will have the compassion of Jesus to the "lepers" God brings into my life.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine standing in the presence of a leper in those days. Lepers were outcasts. They were gross, unclean, nasty, but Jesus didn't run from the leper. He didn't get angry when the leper entered his presence. Instead, He TOUCHED the leper.
ReplyDeleteJesus, forgive me for not sharing your deep compassion. I've shied away from kids with runny noses and lice. I've decided not to touch a homeless women. Jesus, make me more like you. Let me see beyond what the world despises. Let me see a soul that needs to know You care. Help me battle my fears; remind me that You created everything and that a germ does not stand a chance against you. And Jesus, while I prepare to take your love to another place this coming week, give me a heart of flesh and not a heart of stone. If it costs me health, if it costs me cleanliness, if it costs me pride...I'm willing Lord. I'm your servant. You know how hard this commitment will be for me to keep, but I'm making it because You're big enough and because I love you.
(I debated about posting this prayer--we've been learning about praying in a closet and not for men to see, but God knows my heart. I couldn't react any other way. And if you would, pray for me because this really is a tough one for me. Thanks!)
I'll be praying for you on your mission trip, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteHopefully as God enables us to reach out with compassion to others, they will begin to see Jesus' love and His desire to touch their lives and heal them.
The Spirit's conviction to me was found in verses 43-44a & 45b (Jesus warned against telling, the healed leper talked freely, and then He could no longer enter a town openly).
ReplyDeleteHow many times has my mouth been opened (in a way that seemed completely fine to me) and consequently God's perfect will was detoured?
How many times has my mouth hindered the Lord's moving?
It is amazing how much God can convict with a few verses and questions. Question 4 really hit me, am I really putting myself aside and serving Christ is all I do? I will continue work on total surrender in all parts of my life.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing that struck me as I read this passage is vs.43-45, Jesus asked him not to tell others but he went out and was a witness for Him anyway. Yes, this hindered His ministry, but what it made me think of was how many times has God healed me, helped me or lifted me in other ways but I was not willing to go out and shout His name to everyone that I encountered. If I am going to be a witness for Him I should be doing what this man did.