Today’s Reading, Matthew 7-8
Focal Scripture: Matthew 8:3 “Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
I have had to do some pretty dirty jobs in my life. The worst was when I worked in the restaurant business and had to clean bathrooms before we opened for business. The things that people would do in a public restroom is astonishing. The filth and the disregard for courtesy would always shock me. One thing is certain, I did not want to touch anything with out gloves. It was to dirty.
In our reading today we cover lots of ground in Matthew. Here in this verse a man with leprosy needed and wanted to be healed. Jesus in a shocking display of love reached out and touched him. This act violated many laws and demonstrated that Jesus didn’t play by the rules. He was going to do what served the people first not what tradition dictated that he do with this man. Not only did Jesus touch this man he also healed this man completely. He was not to unclean and he was not to far gone.
Many people believe they are to unclean for Jesus. They have done something where they think they are tainted. Nobody would ever love them or forgive them for their sins. Know this you are never to far gone for Jesus. You are never to unclean for Christ to work in your life. This same Jesus who touched the lepor will also touch your soul. He will bring you from death to life.
If you’re struggling today with God’s love and forgiveness know that he will forgive you. If you feel unloved know that he loves you. If you feel shunned by others know that he will accept you. The worst parts of yourself have no power compared to Christ. He will change you because he is the only one who can.
Just as he touched the unclean so he will touch you also.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Matthew 9-10
