Day 141: Luke 5:12–16

A man was there who had a serious skin disease all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged Him: “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (v. 12).

This miracle from Luke 5 reveals a great deal of insight into God and His complex ways, helping us grapple with some challenging issues that question the hearts of men—questions we shouldn’t be afraid of exploring as good students of the Word.

In essence, the leper was saying, “Lord, I know You possess the power to heal me. And if You in Your wisdom and plan see purpose in it, then please do it.” So first, we see that the diseased man humbly approached Christ in absolute belief. Although he suffered from a horribly debilitating skin ailment, he did not suffer from a lack of faith. He believed Jesus could heal him. He just didn’t know if he would.

This brings us, then, to a second consideration: was it in God’s will to perform this miracle that the leper was asking for?

I believe with all my heart that the central issue involved in whether or not God heals a believing (see Matt. 9:28) and requesting (see James 4:2) Christian’s physical illness is found in His eternal purpose. Although I don’t pretend to understand how or why, some illnesses may serve more eternal purpose than healing would, while other healings serve more purpose than illnesses do.

Try as I might, I cannot imagine what purpose some illnesses and premature deaths serve. But after years of loving and seeking my God, I trust who He is, even when I have no idea what He’s doing. Above all things, I believe God always has purpose in every decision He makes. Jesus healed people many times, but His healings were always with purpose and intent.

How much like the leper are you? Are you convinced (first of all) that Christ can do absolutely anything? And secondly, are you also seeking His purposes in everything? Are you more desirous of His work and will being done through your life than you are to be healed of your hardship or handicap? If so, don’t lose courage. As long as this remains the desire of your heart, come to Christ as the leper did—humbly making your request while seeking His purposes for your life.