The Leper's Prayer

“While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’” Luke 5:12

This short story tucked away in Luke exemplifies true faith in a hopeless situation. Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation. ‘To touch a leper in Luke’s time was dangerous medically, defiling religiously, and degrading socially. Dr. Luke makes special mention of the fact that this man was full of leprosy. It was an advanced case and quite hopeless, humanly speaking. The faith of the leper was remarkable.’ Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1384.

The leper approached Jesus with elements for which we should pattern our Christian walk in seasons of hopelessness.

First of all, he pursued and sought Jesus. He knew Jesus was the answer and didn’t sit around feeling sorry for himself or take matters into his own hands. He knew his condition was out of control. He actively pursued the Healer.

Once he was in fellowship with Christ his awareness of unworthiness was paramount causing him to fall on his knees in humility.

His faith had feet as he proclaimed, ‘You can make me clean.’ He walked the talk knowing that Christ had the power to heal.

He made his requests known to Jesus and publicly acknowledged his condition and need for healing.

Last but most importantly, he aligned his request with the will of Christ.

Like the leper, we are all covered with circumstances of hopelessness, unworthiness and the need for God to intervene. We must seek, pursue and approach Christ with humility, complete faith, and the desire to accept and live within the will of God. Living within His will isn’t always easy. Much like the leper, over the past year I have crawled up to the Healer for two of my family members, been on my knees many days proclaiming Lord, you can do this! I have seen You in these situations and it is as simple as speaking the word. I have seen you heal, transform, restore and renew. I will accept if earthly healing is not your will but you have given me authority to approach you and ask for anything. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Phil. 4:6

God’s will was larger than earthly healing. He wanted to give them more than life on earth. He was ready to bestow a crown of righteousness upon their heads and walk with them in His home – not mine. Although my desire did not match the will of God He has healed me in a transforming way just like he healed the leper that day. My sorrow no longer holds me down and I am no longer debilitated with grief. Phil 4:6 follows with the promise no matter what resolution we experience in our requests. ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Phil 4:7

'Thy will be done indeed!'