Be Clean!

Scripture – Matthew 8:1-4: ¹When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ²A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” ³Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. ⁴Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s easy, I find, to take Jesus’ healing ministry for granted. I tend to skip over them as neat stories that don’t really connect much with life today. Yet He really did heal people. And He still does today. He is willing to do that. Usually I just don’t think to ask. Although, sometimes I’m afraid to ask because His healing word might be this simple: “Be clean!” I’ve heard that when I’ve been carrying a grudge against someone. I ask Him to remove the resentment I feel. And He responds with, “Be clean!” A lot of attitudes that I carry within me are really easy to release. I just don’t want to.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) How will I be different today because of this? That remains to be seen. I have some personal things I don’t want to share here. However, I will look at some of them. I will remember Jesus is ready and willing to make me clean if I turn them over to Him.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this isn’t really a new lesson today. At the same time, it is one that comes in this new day. Help me see myself honestly. Guide me to freedom today. Thank you for your willingness to clean up my act.