Mark 1:40-43
“A leper came to him, begging on his knees, ‘If you want to, you can cleanse me.’ - Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I want to. Be clean.’ Then and there the leprosy was gone, his skin smooth and healthy. Jesus dismissed him with strict orders: ‘Say nothing to anyone.”
“A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. ‘If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,’ he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning:”
Then, as now, Jesus brings upheaval when he comes into our lives. Chapter 1 records Jesus visiting synagogues in the vicinity of Capernaum, preaching and healing. It closes with this record of healing a leper. Imagine the upheaval he brought to the households whose member(s) has been healed. They each had to develop a new way of daily living. Resources previously devoted to watch and care were now free for other uses. Suddenly those worn down by suffering were refreshed with energy and zest for life.
I had that experience once, after my hysterectomy. My life blossomed with energy and activity previously absorbed by pain. I long for it again.
Lord, I want to be healed, to live and serve. Please renew my body that the strength you give me each day might be directed outwards to others. Please, I ask in Jesus name.