A QUESTION THAT NEEDS AN ANSWER
Luke 5:12-13 NKJV
12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him.
What a beautiful story. A man who was full of leprosy came to Jesus. Remember that Luke was a physician, so he was more detailed in regard to physical conditions. This man did not simply have leprosy. He was full of leprosy. This meant that the disease was running rampant in his body. Leprosy would destroy the flesh to the point that people with this disease were often disfigured due to losing body parts and extremities. And because leprosy was contagious, the one suffering also had to bear the burden of being separated from friends, family and society. This disease was a double-edged sword.
So, this man sees Jesus and falls on his face. We can’t tell how close to Jesus he came, but I imagine other people kept the leper away from the up-and-coming prophet. The man with the leprosy begged Jesus. He did not demand of Jesus. But he told Jesus that if He was willing to do it, Jesus could make him clean. The man knew Jesus had the power, the ability, to cleanse him of leprosy. What he did not know was if Jesus was willing. If you are willing, was the big question.
Jesus puts out His hand and touches the man with leprosy. This simply was not done in that day. For Jesus to touch this man communicated volumes. That Jesus was not afraid of the disease. That Jesus loved this man and accepted him. And that Jesus wanted the man to be clean.
Then Jesus spoke five powerful words. “I am willing; be cleansed.” And the man was healed. The man simply needed to know what the will of Jesus was for him. And when he knew Jesus wanted him clean, a miracle took place.
APPLICATION
There are two things that need to be answered today. Do we believe that the Lord can do it. And do we believe that the Lord is willing. These are important questions in regard to what God is able to do in our lives.
When it comes to our salvation, these questions need to be answered. Do we believe the Lord can save, and is He willing to save. Many years ago, salvation was often preached without the confidence that we proclaim today. Many people did not know if the Lord was willing to save them. And they would come to the altar and beg for God’s saving grace. Today we are the beneficiaries of the revelation that God wants all men saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. So faith has come in that area and it’s far easier for people to receive. We don’t question the Lord’s will in salvation.
So, without writing a book on this subject, we can apply this same principle to other promises in the Scriptures. Promises of provision, healing, wisdom and being filled with the Holy Spirit. The first question is always, can the Lord? The second key question is, is the Lord willing? This is why reading and feeding on Scripture is so important. Through God’s Word we see what he can do and wants to do in our lives today.
PRAYER
Lord, in the areas that I have struggled to receive from You, guide me into Your word that answers the question of Your willingness for me. Thank You for Your help in settling Your will in my heart.