Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT)
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Imagine this: It's Easter service or Christmas service or New Years service at church. A packed house. This is one of those times of the year when everyone goes to church. Even if it’s the only time all year. They have to bring in extra fold-out chairs there are so many people. Hopefully, you’ve been welcomed with open arms. But you may have also noticed others who ignored you or acted as if you didn’t exist. The pastor stands behind the pulpit, maybe shows a portion of "The Passion of the Christ" film or a Nativity clip and shares Jesus. Who He is and how he can radically change not only your life now, but the one to come. He relates how Jesus loves us just as we are, but that He also loves us too much to let us stay that way.
What you see and hear stirs something deep within your soul. The Holy Spirit- God’s Spirit- is wrapping you in love, calling out to you, drawing you to him. To an even deeper walk. Now you have an eternal choice to make. Are you:
1. Going to take a look over your shoulder. Witness a mass of people, many of which you may know. You don’t want to cause a scene or prolong the service. People are waiting to get on with their regular lives after all. What will your friends- especially your Christian ones- think? They know you’re messed up and will knit-pick your hypocrisy. What will John think? You’re a leader! You teach! You’re seen as an example!
So you sit quietly and do nothing…
-or are you:
2. Going to step out in faith. Out of your comfort zone. Allow the Lord to work in your life. Take a chance on Jesus. Run to the alter and hit your knees in prayer. Walk up to the pastor during the invitation not caring what anyone thinks or says. Listen as he guides you to Jesus. Buy into the vision. Go deeper. Seek with passion. To cry out to this Jesus, like the leper in our story today: “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” Or in our case, “Lord, take me deeper! Forget the world and the status quo! Who cares what people think!”
The leper sought Jesus badly enough where he didn’t care what the crowd thought. He wanted, no…needed, Jesus. He wanted to grow. Are we willing to do what it takes to grow?
