“When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him in prayer and said, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.” (From Luke 5:12-16)
I’m struck by how often I don’t ask for various things because it either doesn’t cross my mind or I assume God would not be interested in giving it.
Can you picture this scene? In the middle of the village (what did it sound like? What did it smell like? What time of year was it?) people are going about their business when someone notices the leper and jumps back. In their fear and hurry, they bump into others who get upset until they see the leper and move back too. Soon everyone is clearing the path for the leper. Is it silent? Are they yelling at him to go back and not risk infecting them?
What’s the leper thinking? “I must be out of my mind to do this…” “Please let it work, please let him be willing. Please, please…please”. Now all eyes are on the emptying street, kind of like an old western shootout.
What will Jesus do?
ACTION: I wonder what “woke up” in the hearts of those watching our story unfold. What did the courage and deep desire for change in the leper incite in all who witnessed Jesus healing him? How has your courage and desire for change influenced those around you?
