“When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 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.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The image of a leper approaching Yeshua in a posture of worship, humbly seeking healing, is profound and beautiful to me. The Greek word for worship in this passage paints a picture of a person bowing down before another and kissing their hand or feet. The leper was literally laying his life down before Yeshua. His posture made quite a statement. 

According to Jewish law, lepers were separated and ostracized in order to limit and contain a disfiguring disease. Yet, as the crowd followed Yeshua, the leper stepped forth. 

I find myself wondering if Yeshua passed by the leper’s camp or if the leper sought Him out. I don’t know course but I do wonder. 

I find so much encouragement in the simple act of the leper seeking out Yeshua. The leper was bold – he approached Yeshua which would have been unheard of given his condition. Second, the leper worshipped first – he had his priorities in order and put first things first. Third, he trusted Yeshua more than the outcome. The leper laid his deepest need before Yeshua – not  in a demanding way but in a humble way: if You are willing – if it is in Your plan and You have determined to make me clean, please do so.  Yeshua was willing and the leper was cleansed immediately. 

The question for us is this: Will we be the ones to follow the crowd or will we be bold enough to step out from hiding and worship Him openly, unashamed and unapologetic? 

I believe He’s willing – are we?

Father – thank You for Your Word and mercy. Guide my steps so I may bring honor to You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Matthew 8:1-13, Luke 7

October 11, 2022