If Jesus Wants To

There also came to him a leper, entreating him even on bended knee, saying to him:  “If you just want to, you can make me clean.”  Mark 1:40 (Reference Bible)

One could feel a healthy sense of jealousy when reading of this poor leper who approached Jesus.  Not for his terrible disease or even for the incredible miracle of healing that was performed for that man.  The thing which he had that we too should desire is his direct and simple faith.  This suffering man was convinced in his heart that Jesus could work whatever wonder He truly wanted to.

Now you and I may say that we believe that too, but perhaps our actions speak louder than our words.  We may even pray on our knees to the Lord repeating the man word for word.  Inside we know that it must be so, but there is a very wide gap between our vague holding of this truth and the crucial whole-hearted commitment which one lives through when he stands before Jesus.

The difference lies in relationship.  When we pray to a figure of our imagination, our words go out to an illusionary being.  When we stand directly in the presence of One whom we have sought out and found, then our words pass easily between two entities.  You can call a loved one on the phone and tell them how much you love them, but it is not the same when you are actually together and can reach out and embrace that person.  Something similar is present in this story.

This leper came to Jesus.  He had to suppress any misgivings or any misconceptions that may have welled up in his own disbelief.  All doubt resolved his simple faith overcame and he made his bold request.  “If You want to, You can clean me.”  He cut straight to the point.  Jesus had the power; the only thing necessary then was that Jesus wanted it to be done.

Had the man held a more nominal faith, had he chosen to merely wish for healing and not come directly to Jesus himself, no healing would have followed.  What a marvelous lesson for you and I this story holds.  Shouldn´t we too seek this same kind of faith?  Shouldn´t we work day and night without letting up, to draw ourselves more effectually into His presence?

Dear Jesus, our hearts are stirred to desire what the leper of old felt when he came unto You.  We too would like to be able to stand in Your presence and say with assurance, that we actually KNOW that you have the power.  We want to seek your will for us.  If you are willing, we too can find healing for our sufferings. Ease for us if you will that painful desire to be with You face to face.  Embrace us and let our afflicted hearts hear your reassurance that it is what You desire too.

Amen