Day 44 – A leper cleansed

Study Luke 5:12-16

“Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him.” Luke 5:13 

In those days, leprosy had become something more than a disease. At a time and place where ritualistic cleanliness was considered a vital component to spiritual purity, leprosy had come to represent the corrupting, insidious nature of sin. A sinner’s disease.

Can you imagine the utter despair as a leper? You were treated like you were already dead, and it was very uncommon for people to have been declared “clean” by the priests, as they were always keeping the lepers at a distance from the community and especially the temple. The leper who approached Jesus had nothing left. His life, as far as the world was concerned, was over.

He knew how terrible his problem was and that everyone else (maybe he included) saw his disease as hopeless. He had no promise that Jesus would heal him and had no invitation either. The leper wanted more than healing. He wanted cleansing, not only from the leprosy, but also from all its debilitating effects on his life and soul. The leper did not doubt Jesus’ ability to heal; he came in humility to ask for Jesus’ willingness. To him, being healed was compared to being raised from the dead.

All he had left to do was ask, “If You are willing…” And Jesus was. He did something completely unheard of in those days: He touched Him. With Jesus’ touch in our lives, we are cleansed and acceptable to go to the temple. Cleansed, righteous, and ready to be presented before God.

Pray with me: Father, thank You that we can come humbly before You, Jesus, and ask if You are willing to heal, cleanse, and forgive us. Thank You that You do not shy away from our sin and unrighteousness and that all can come to You. Amen. ©

Love, Iriza