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by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 5 at verse 12, a man approaches Jesus Christ, covered with leprosy, or full of leprosy. Think of the pain - isolation - ostracism - lumps – twisted, distorted limbs, and lack of physical feeling.
He fell at Jesus feet. How undignified! He is begging Jesus for help. For years he would have become accustomed to begging and having to cry out "Unclean" everywhere he went.
If you are willing you can make me clean. Here is an open fervent sincere desperate request. There are times when we have to come to Jesus Christ in such a manner.
On this occasion Jesus did not overlook the prayer from this pained body.
"You know my need. Heal my pain." Sometimes we have to be prepared and willing to pray like that.
Never be too proud to tell God your real need.
Verse 13. Jesus touched what was not supposed to be touched. One was not meant to touch someone with leprosy. Jesus could not overlook such an impassioned plea.
When necessary, Jesus Christ would sweep aside religious regulations. They only hinder real help being given.
The leprosy left him. We are not told how and we do not need to know how. He was to go to the priests, and testify. There are some things we do not need to know.
News of this healing soon got around. Crowds came! What did Jesus do?
He withdrew to pray. Jesus did not want to be just a healer, although this had been a period of tremendous success. He decides to be alone with His Father, to prepare for the next stage in His Ministry.
Prayerful seasons are essential. They are hard and challenging and demanding, but necessary.
This is a matter I have found so difficult over the years – taking time and making time to pray.
Apart from praying each morning, after my Bible reading, I have, over these past years, found that walking to the bus as I go to Prison, and travelling on the bus, and walking up to Prison, most useful times for prayer.
This is one of the most difficult areas of most of our Christian lives – praying.
Jesus withdrew, often, to lonely places and prayed. I know I need to do this and continue to know that this is something I need to do.
It does not just happen. It is a decision that is made. It is a time for communion with God – for thanksgiving – for intercession – and as the years go, by this has not become any easier, and I do not think it every will.
Take time – make time – to pray – today – and tomorrow etc.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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