I Am Willing

Matthew 8:2-4 “And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Leprosy was considered a death sentence and lepers were kept far away from people and were scorned. They could have no physical touch. Their future, hopeless. Yet this leper turned to the only Hope there was, Jesus. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He came with a great sense of need and much desperation. In his desperation he not only came asking, he also came and worshipped! He had no guarantee of physical healing, but he knew that His LORD was worthy of worship!

How often have we felt hopeless? Or how often have we felt shunned or all alone not sure what our next step should be or where it would lead? Like the leper, we don’t know what the future holds, but we do know that the One who holds our future is worthy of worship and praise.

Leprosy is also a model of sin. Before becoming a believer, my future looked bleak. I was hopeless and my shame was overwhelming. That is until I reached beyond my capabilities and reached for the only true hope I had. Jesus! Like the leper, I had to come and bow down, recognize that He is Lord, and ask Him to make me clean. And He said, “I am willing!!!” I needed that touch from the Savior. A touch that told me I am clean and forgiven. A touch that felt like the best hug, cleansing my life and warming my soul. Do you feel hopeless? Follow the lead of the leper. Come to Him, cry out from the depths of your heart and worship Him. You also have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!!

I will never forget that healing and the hope for my future that I felt that day. The leper had to show himself to the priest, but may we show ourselves to the world as proof of how a willing Savior can heal the hopeless.

-Lore Hooper