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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke 5:12, we read that a man approaches Jesus, covered with leprosy, or full of leprosy. Think of the pain - isolation - ostracism - lumps - twisted distorted limbs - lack of physical feelings.He fell at Jesus feet - how undignified! He would have spent much of his life begging and having to cry out "Unclean" wherever he went. “If you are willing you can make me clean.” This is a genuine open fervent sincere request. This time Jesus did not overlook the prayer from this pained body. "You know my need. Heal my pain."
Jesus touched what was not supposed to be touched. It was against the law to touch a leper. People were commanded to keep their distance from this contagious disease, but Jesus Christ could not overlook such an impassioned plea. When necessary Jesus would sweep aside religious regulations. They often only hinder real help being given. As soon as Jesus Christ touched this man the leprosy left him. There was an immediate effect.
He was told to go to the priests and testify, by keeping the sacrifices that is written in the law of Moses. What a balance we see here. Jesus came to remove the marks and scars and pain which are the results of sin, and at the same time he honoured the written Word.
News of this healing soon got around, and crowds came! What did Jesus do? He withdrew to pray. He 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. This can be a hard decision to make at times but often so very necessary.
This is a much shorter study, because I want you to examine yourself regarding prayer. If Jesus had to set aside and make time to pray how much more do we. This is an area in which we all need to follow His specific and deliberate example. These are primarily Bible studies, but if they do not help to encourage and deepen our prayer life and our communion with Almighty God, then they will have failed.
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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