If You Wish

Today’s Reflection:
I first read this story in Luke a few days ago. And then today, as I pondered what I would blog about, I opened the readings and this same story, now from Mark, was the Gospel passage. So, I guess the Lord has chosen what he wants to teach me. Bring it on!

Have you ever really reflected on this healing of Christ? There are so many passages about Jesus curing people in the Scriptures, that I think, sometimes I take it for granted. But, right now, I am in constant prayer for someone I love who needs a miraculous healing. That means that these types of passages come leaping off the pages of the Bible and settle deep in my heart.

We all hear how God has made promises and he is always faithful. But, we also know that when it comes to earthly healing, what we want and what occurs do not always align perfectly. Sometimes the healing is an eternal one. Does that mean we don’t ask? I don’t believe that for a moment.

That is why the words of this leper are a humble reminder. This man has a disease that has not only wracked his body, but created a rift between him and all the rest of the community. How does that effect his soul? What occurs in his heart as he is forced to stay segregated from others and to call out “Unclean” so that others know to stay away.

Words have such power. Especially those that are spoken out loud. To continually call yourself unclean must begin to wear down your attitude and opinion of yourself. Don’t you think? How can I remember I am a child of God when all I hear is “Unclean”, even from my own lips? This must be such a painful and lonely way to live. He must have felt unworthy and separated from the Lord.

Let’s take a moment and think, though. What words do I speak to myself? Do I tear myself down with my doubts and negative talk? Am I even aware of the power of those words or attitudes and how they shape my thoughts and actions? “Take each thought captive and speak truth into any lies that try to come through.” I’ve heard this repeatedly. Ha, I’ve even given this advice. Sounds like a great idea. But, I have to recognize there is a lie before I can begin to replace it.

That is where I come back to this passage and see it with fresh eyes. I’ve often been impressed with how Jesus not only heals this man, but touches him. He touches what no one else would even come close to. He doesn’t have to. He could have healed him with a word. He does that in other places. But with this man, he touches him. He does what no one else will do.

But, notice this. Here is a man who has lived with being seen as unworthy and separated from God and his community. He has heard he is unclean and even said it himself. Yet, somewhere deep inside he has HOPE. What do I mean by that? He finds the courage to ask. There is, if even for one brief moment, a hopeful dream that Jesus can do something miraculous. He steps out in faith from some small place down deep in his heart and asks for healing. Notice, he does not demand. He actually says, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” He leaves the results totally in the hands of Jesus, willing to settle for whatever he says or does. That is incredible to me. It’s a chance to seek God’s will and to be at peace with that.

The lesson for me. That no matter how much the world beats me up or how much is self inflicted, I want to hold on to the belief and hope that I am a child of God and no lies will make me unworthy of his love. I want to remember that His will for me is healing and a clean heart. And if I feel beaten down and unworthy, I need to grab a hold of whatever small sliver of hope is there and step out in faith. Asking him to heal me, to make me clean, and accepting whatever he desires above all else is the key. If my cross can be removed, wonderful. If the cross must remain for a while longer, than that is alright too. Because it has a purpose, even if I don’t know what that is yet, and I am not carrying it alone.

What do you think? Please share your comments below.
XOXO,
Barb