Mark 1:40-45
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
Why was there leprosy in Israel? Why is this such an issue in the Bible? Houses didn't have windows with glass and the elements came in and stayed.
This is like people, we don't want to be outside and freeze and burn up in the outside world, so we go into our houses and if Light and Joy and Forgiveness and Discussion of Truth don't free us with God's Light in mankind, well things fester.
And if you don't feel well, then you stay home and the walls are moist, better than the direct intense heat or sunlight. Or it's cold and the winds don't blow at home and you didn't feel well so you stayed home. Or if when you went out, you felt odd so you covered up more and looked confident but felt ill.
Jesus had a few things to say about being honest. And seeking the light of God in mankind. Jesus was all about balance, don't overly burden your neighbor with visits, don't be insincere.
Here we see that Jesus did remarkable and brave things for people closed up and ill. We know Jesus would do this - this is why we love Jesus.
Jesus healed many, yet only said two things about lepers - one they were cleansed in Jesus.
And, then the story of Naaman the Syrian being chosen for being of faith - his willingness to go to God. God would indeed help him. Elisha wanted Naaman to be obedient to God and was healed by being obedient to the Word of God. However Naaman was then taken advantage of by Gehazi (Gee hazy !) for money.
Gehazi felt that he could accomplish two things at once and be with God, yet it was Elisha who was working for the Glory of God. And Elisha said his heart went with the man who was healed.
The other story is about Simon the Leper, at the dinner and a woman kissed the feet of Jesus and anointed Him. Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 7. Simon was a leper and did not become effusive about Jesus. Possibly to guard his own place in town and not appear to be weak, needy or in need of healing.
Simon did not want the woman to anoint Jesus' Head or wipe His Feet. This lack of being open hearted caused Jesus to do several things. Jesus did not turn the worshiper away. He did speak to Simon in front of all for his cold heartedness.
The one who had loved more Jesus said, had believed in the cancelled debt Jesus spoke of.
Jesus went on to say, when we are generous with our love to Jesus, then His Glory will Speak in us. Jesus did not say only Jesus was responsible, Jesus called for loving behaviors and God to be honored. Jesus honored brave adoration and He did not shun even Simon for being careful.
Father God,
You find people in all conditions who are closed up. You reach where no one else would reach. You encourage the ill to be included, You encourage and support love and bravery. And even support those who are less than Brave!
Jesus, You unite people to cheer for healing and a happy ending and solutions. Everyone today would cheer for all of Jesus' solutions.
Let us unite together to pray for one another, even the forgetful, for Your Many Blessings to encourage us to hope, smile and enjoy the Love You provide in the people near us.
Bless our loved ones, the People You give us, this community, this state, this Nation and all the People of the World needing prayer and especially those who Love You.
In Jesus the Lord. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment