Luke 5:12-13 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”

I think we may all have an advanced stage of leprosy on the inside. One unfortunate part about this is that we are decaying on the inside but also because we can’t see it like a skin disease, we pretend we don’t have it… as long as it doesn’t affect our outside appearance. But, for just a moment, let us assess our actions and motives and answer this one question: are my actions and motives pure? – not by human standards – but by God’s standards. Am I putting my words and thoughts and actions before God? -always – or do I still let my old habits and ways dictate my choices. If our ways are not pure and clean and life-giving, then we know the alternative – we are dying from the inside. Once again this is not about worldly perfection – it’s about hating the things that hurt us and bring death. I’m so thankful that we have a God who hates what hurts us and wants to lead us out of misery and reconcile His creation.

I believe with all that I am that God has come (through Jesus) to bring us from death into Life.. To show us the road, the way, the truth and Life. 

Lord, if you are willing – heal me and make me clean. Let your Holy Spirit, new wine, burst this old wine skin and make me new. Amen.