Random Observations
Scripture – Luke 5: 12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 15Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Reflection: Wow! A few different things pop out to me here. First, there’s the man’s great statement of faith: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” I sometimes fall short of that. The fact is Jesus can do anything. Specifically, He can heal any physical problem a person might have. Nothing is beyond His power. This man came to Jesus knowing that.
Second, in this case Jesus was willing to offer what the man wanted. For reasons that are not mine to know, there seem to be times when He is not willing. I have prayed for healing for many different people over the years. Sometimes it happens and other times it does not. As far as I can tell within myself, it’s not a lack of faith that’s the problem. It seems to be a matter of Divine choice. I’ve learned to be at peace with Him in that and to accept whatever happens.
Third, Jesus “often” got away from people and prayed. Lately I’ve been slipping up in this, and I can feel the difference. I’ll adjust my schedule so I have some alone time devoted to prayer and refreshment with God.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reflection: Wow! A few different things pop out to me here. First, there’s the man’s great statement of faith: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” I sometimes fall short of that. The fact is Jesus can do anything. Specifically, He can heal any physical problem a person might have. Nothing is beyond His power. This man came to Jesus knowing that.
Second, in this case Jesus was willing to offer what the man wanted. For reasons that are not mine to know, there seem to be times when He is not willing. I have prayed for healing for many different people over the years. Sometimes it happens and other times it does not. As far as I can tell within myself, it’s not a lack of faith that’s the problem. It seems to be a matter of Divine choice. I’ve learned to be at peace with Him in that and to accept whatever happens.
Third, Jesus “often” got away from people and prayed. Lately I’ve been slipping up in this, and I can feel the difference. I’ll adjust my schedule so I have some alone time devoted to prayer and refreshment with God.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
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