Day 5: Healing and Wholeness is God’s Will for My Life
During the time of Jesus, a leper is forbidden to be in public. They are such pariah and outcasts that they are to live alone, they dwell outside the camp, and are considered unclean. Their uncleanness is considered contagious; no one should be touching them.
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
Matthew 8:1-3
Now Jesus, being the radical savior that He is, doesn’t typically conform with the norms. Instead of shying away from the leper asking for His help, Jesus willingly healed the leper, even touching him despite his illness. As a result, the healing that is in Jesus flowed to heal the leper. The disease is no match with Jesus, its havoc-wrecking capability destroyed in the presence of the King.
Why then is this story important for Christ-believers?
Firstly, the Apostle Paul wrote: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Meditate on this powerful truth for a moment. When you receive and accept Jesus as Lord, Savior and Redeemer in your life, Christ becomes your clothing. You wear him like a vest, like an armor. Old labels no longer apply – labels such as leper or loser, failure or freak. Because you are now clothed in Christ, new labels apply. How about these new labels: royal priest, blessed, healed, deeply loved, and highly favored?
Secondly, the story of Jesus’ healing the leper is a reminder that wholeness and healing is God’s will for the lives of Christ-believers. Jesus reminded us that the will of the Father is manifested in the works of the Son.
So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
John 5:19
Never in the accounts of Jesus in the Bible did He give sickness to anybody who was healthy. You never hear Jesus say: “You’re too pretty, here have some leprosy!” But in too many accounts, He has healed various illnesses and diseases as part of His ministry here on earth.
Lastly, notice Jesus’ willingness to heal those who ask for His help. The boldness of the leper to come in the presence of the Jesus, despite the odds of being stoned by the crowd, signifies his faith in Jesus to heal him of the leprosy. And that boldness was rewarded with healing and wholeness! That’s what radical faith is all about – against all odds. Just ask the radical savior for help and Jesus is willing to heal you! Whatever illness or disease you’re suffering right now, call on Jesus and your ever-present help in time of need is willing answer and assist.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you believe that it is God’s will to heal and make your life whole?
- Are there areas in your life that needs healing, restoration and wholeness? If so, are you bold enough to ask God for help – to heal you and make you whole again?
Radical Faith in Action:
Come boldly in God’s presence and ask Him to heal you and make your life whole. Have that radical faith to ask! God is able and powerful to do it for you. And being a radical savior, His willingness is ever-present to help in time of your need. Declare over and over again: “It is God’s will to heal and make me whole. By Jesus’ stripes I am healed!”