Mark 1:40-45 (NIV) Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Why was Jesus indignant? Did He think the man doubted Him? The man knew that Jesus was able to heal him. He knew that he needed healing. He was not sure that Jesus was willing to do the healing. Why not? Had Jesus not healed others? In John 5:6, Jesus asked a paralytic “Do you want to get well?” Interesting question, don’t you think? Even more interesting was the excuse the man gave for an answer. I ask you, what are you carrying that you know the LORD can remove? Are you willing to let go and let Him heal you?
I had a friend that became ill with an incurable disease. I found a whole list of healing verses from the Bible that I collected and gave to him. Ironically, the first verse was the one asking “do you want to get well?” My friend took no steps toward healing. It seemed to me he just gave up. Others had lived a long time with this disease. Why would he not take steps to maintain his health? It was a mystery to me.
So, when you’re standing in the presence of God, do you ask Him for healing or do you wimp out and not speak? Do you give Him excuses or do you ask for His grace? Can you see Him? He stands just feet from you. If you could just touch the hem of His cloak, you would be healed! Will you reach out your hand now? Please? Reach out your hand!
Thank You Lord that you are willing and able. We don’t deserve Your grace yet You lavish it upon us. You give it anyway. Give us the boldness to ask You for what we need. In Your name we pray!