“THY WILL BE DONE!”

He was infected with leprosy, a plight that had led to alienation from family and friends and would ultimately lead to a prolonged and painful death. Cast out of society, the leper was relegated to a life in isolation. He left his home and family. He lost his job. He was refused entry to the synagogue. He was kicked out of town.

The law was clear. “The person who has a case of serious skin disease is to have his clothes torn and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ He will remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:45-46).

He lived knowing he would never again hold his beloved bride. He’d never touch his children or hold his grandkids. He’d never shake hands with his closest friends. He would die a miserable death … alone!

The story of a particular leper is memorialized in a few short sentences in the Gospel. He’ll always be remembered as the leper who came to Jesus. “A man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean’ ” (Mark 1:40).

The leper teaches us three important truths.

First, and most importantly, we see that Jesus is approachable. While others shunned him, Jesus welcomed the sick man’s approach. Mercifully and miraculously, Jesus touched him.

Secondly, the leper believed that Jesus could heal his disease. The leper trusted that there is nothing that Jesus cannot do. So, he asked. “Master, will you heal me, make me clean, and restore my life?”

Lastly, the leper submitted to the Master’s will. He didn’t make a demand. “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

We can come boldly into the presence of our compassionate Father. We can snuggle up close and ask God to do the impossible. But when we pray, we appeal to the King of kings. We must trust Him and pray, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

“Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he told him. ‘Be made clean.’Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean” (Mark 1:41-42).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).