And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”—Luke 15:12 (emphasis mine)
Father...thank you that You are the Friend of the outcast. Thank you for this leper’s beautiful example. His words to Jesus reflect a deep sense of humility but also great faith. Such a beautiful combination! He knew Jesus could heal him but would he condescend to look upon and heal one such as he was? The answer was yes...
For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.—Isaiah 57:15
Give us the “gift”, Father, of seeing ourselves as we truly are...wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked...an unclean, untouchable leper. Without the quickening of Your Spirit we are hopeless and helpless...dead in our trespasses and sins. May we place our confidence during our stay here on earth not in our flesh, but in You our God who brings the dead to life, makes the blind see, the lame walk, and the deaf hear. Help us...help me, Father...to see my need for You in both the overwhelming and the underwhelming. And when, by Your grace I do, may I do what you did here on earth...withdraw often to pray.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,—Philippians 3:3
Do not forsake me, O LORD;
O my God, be not far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!—Psalm 38:21-22
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