Κύριος Notes:Change in a Moment

Scripture Reflection: Matthew 8
1When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

Lord Jesus—In the middle of the mix, how often do I ask for your healing hands to come to the point of my need? Here the simplicity of this needy man’s request impresses itself on my soul. He had heard of You Lord…maybe some of his friends had already been healed. The news of hope must have spread like wild fire among his needy community.

He knew that You had the ability to met his need. In one touch, in a moment the struggle of his life, the defining part of who the world saw him as… could be changed. His disease defined him, it constrained him, it formed his struggle to survive…and even with the isolation that leprosy brought him, he had not given up hope.

3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

Lord Jesus—You were willing to meet this man’s need. You continue to meet needs today. Lord Jesus at your command life can change in a moment at the very places where we have struggled and made vain attempts at change. This man needed the words of healing spoken in love to the point of his need. You continue to speak the words of power and grace. With the same voice that spoke creation into existence you spoke the words of power to this man's need.

This man wanted change in his life and he was not afraid to hope or ask even when it seemed as if his life was all over. He had lost family, friends and position to the ravages of a disease that kills in degrees. Yet he still went looking for help, when he heard that You were preaching on that mountain he headed straight for You. I want to always head straight for You Lord.

Lord Jesus--Teach me the kind of hope that does not give up but depends on your healing touch and your words of power.