Encouraging Word
One of my favorite biblical accounts is recorded in Luke 5:12-14 in which Jesus heals a man with a serious medical condition. Luke, a physician, described the man as one “full of leprosy,” meaning it was in an advanced stage. In Jesus day, this infectious disease made one religiously and socially unclean. Lepers were ostracized and quarantined from society. No one wanted them around. They were considered the “untouchables.” Leprosy was debilitating and caused one to feel helpless and hopeless. The leper was at a point of despair with no place to go and no one to turn to; until he saw Jesus.
Apparently, the leper had heard about Jesus and had faith that Jesus could do for him what others could not. Luke records that when the leper saw Jesus, he fell on his face in worship and implored Him saying, “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.” What Jesus did next just blows me away. Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing, be cleansed.” You were not supposed to touch a leper! Jesus didn’t have to touch him. He could just have said the word and the leper would have been healed. Yet, He touched this “untouchable!”
You see there is no sin too bad; no person too evil; no problem too big; no sickness so severe; and no one beyond God’s reach. If you will come to Jesus in faith, submitting to His will; He will touch you and make you whole. I’m reminded of the Bill Gaither song, “He Touched Me.” It says, “shackled by a heavy burden; beneath a load of guilt and shame; then the hand of Jesus touched me; and now I am no longer the same.” I pray that Jesus has touched your life and made you clean and whole.
-Tony Cooper
Celebrating 27 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
