HE IS WILLING
Mark 1:40-42
Mark 1:40-42 NKJ
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed." 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
The gospel of Mark was written by a man who appears in Acts 12:25. John Mark went with Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. But Mark did not stay long and returned home early in the voyage. His departure did not sit well with Paul and caused a split years later between Paul and Barnabas over giving Mark a second chance. Barnabas believed in Mark and took him on his second missionary endeavor while Paul took Silas.
But second chances can work. Mark would later be commended by Paul as useful for ministry. And Mark wrote a very action-oriented account of Jesus’ life, the gospel of Mark.
In Mark's narrative of Jesus and a man with leprosy, a very important question comes to light. Are you willing? This man believed Jesus could heal him but did not know if Jesus would heal him. Jesus not only answers in the affirmative, "I am willing," He actually touches the man.
Leprosy was a disease that required an individual to be quarantined from society. They were not allowed to touch people, even loved ones. And no one could touch them. Yet Jesus did. By touching, Jesus affirmed to this man that He wanted him healed and well. The end result is a complete healing and restoration. When he knew Jesus was willing, he was cleansed.
APPLICATION:
This is an often asked question today. Is the Lord willing for me to be healed, or helped, or set free? Too often, we gauge the Lord's willingness by our own experience or that of a Christian friend or relative. But that is not how we view the most important miracle, being born again. We know it's God's will for all to be saved. We also know every individual must receive their salvation by believing and declaring Jesus as Lord and Savior. We do not question God's willingness regarding salvation. When we believe God is just as willing for us to be healed, helped, and delivered, we are on the road to some great things happening. It's important to settle that question in your own heart. He is willing because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
PRAYER:
Lord, I believe that You can, and I believe that you are willing. Thank You for helping me see and know Your willingness in my life.