Today's Readings: OT - Genesis 8:20-9:17 / NT - Matthew 8:1-17
"And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." - Matthew 8:2-3
"Getting the Health Care You Deserve"... So reads the logo for a recent health care provider. If this isn't enough, you can get "The BMW You Deserve", "The Media Attention You Deserve", or "The Body You Deserve". The message is made loud and clear that we "deserve" everything we want in life. So, when in need, don't we deserve the same provision and care that others have received? Shouldn't we just "name it and claim it" from God?
We read about a poor man who was a social outcast and physical wreck. He heard about the many great works that Jesus was performing for others. Didn't he deserve to be healed? But, with a humble and worshipful heart he came to Jesus and asked "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean". The leper had complete faith that Jesus could do the job, but only if he was willing. He "named it and committed it" to God.
While the answer we are always looking for is "I will; be clean", it doesn't always come. When this happens those who "name it and claim it" are devastated. They feel that they have been cheated from what they deserved. They forget that we are sinners, and all we deserve is condemnation. But, since "by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8) and "God's "grace is sufficient for you". (2 Cor. 12:9) we can quietly rest in "Lord, if you will". Just "Name it and commit it" to God, because "This God - his way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30) .
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