JANUARY 27, Mark 1:40-42

Leprosy is a terrible disease; it was incurable in biblical times. Lepers usually hide themselves and cover their whole body because the disease eats into its victims. Because it is a disease that causes decay in the flesh, a leprosy victim would smell bad, with his flesh literally rotting. It was a terrible ailment and since the disease is infectious, no one would dare live near anyone with leprosy. The victims have to live by themselves, far away from family, friends and the society. When they go out into the streets, they would have to cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” to warn others of their condition, as the Old Testament book, Leviticus tells us (Leviticus 13 & 14).

A leper came to Jesus and begged Him for healing. Jesus did not shun him or shoo him away. In fact, Jesus did what most people would not do: touch him. Would you do that? Almost all of us would run away the moment we see a leper. But our precious Lord is different. When Jesus saw the leper kneel and ask for help, He was moved with compassion. He touched the leper and answered his request with these healing words, “I will; be thou clean.” With these words and that kind touch, restoration was given to the leper; he was instantly cured and cleansed! That man would never forget those words of power and instant cure.

Does God heal today? Of course! Does He heal in the same way as He did then? No. God has given us modern medicine, and great advances in medical technology, and there is no need to heal in the way Jesus did.

You may hear of “Healing Rallies” by certain Christian groups, but is it the healing that we read of in the Bible? The healings in biblical times were complete and immediate. The entire leprosy of this man was gone. And the healing took place immediately, with absolutely no delay. What we may hear of in such rallies today are “improvements, gradual advances”, not what we read about in the Bible. Instead, God heals us spiritually and mentally. If we are hurt, God can soothe our sorrows. When we are lonely, we can always go to Him for comfort. When we need guidance, He is waiting to show us the way. What a wonderful God we have!

Thought: Jesus, our kind and heavenly Doctor

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that we have in Jesus such a wonderful Saviour and healer. May I learn to trust Him more, and to commit my problems to Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.