Have you ever been in such a situation that you desperately needed God to intervene? If HE didn't show up, you were in trouble? Your situation was so dire that you were hopeless without HIM? If not then stop now and thank HIM right away! But for those of us who live there, we can identify! AMEN???!!!
Today let's look at Luke 17:11-19.... Here we find 10 lepers who were dwelling near a village on the road leading to Jerusalem. Being lepers they were Medical Outcasts due to their infirmity. Cast out from their families, friends and all that was familiar to them. They had found some solace living with others of like condition. But one day a man passed by they had heard much about. His name was Jesus.
1)Our First Nugget of Truth..... They believed Jesus could do something about their situation.
They had never been to one of His meetings. No visits to one of His healing sessions. Just by word of mouth they had heard of the great message He had and the hope He had given through His mighty works. As He passed nearby they collectively began to cry out...."Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
I honestly cannot even imagine their physical plight. I have never been an outcast of my family (though they probably should have a few times), nor have I been an outcast of society. I cannot fully identify with their particular situation, however, I have often times been at my on personal wits end. Not knowing where to turn or what to do. Hopeless and helpless I can identify with. Perhaps you can too. Fallen out of grace with family. Those who once were friends have turned their backs and don't answer their phones. Situation so bad you can't see daylight. Then we've got a glimpse of their world. They needed help and they needed it desperately. Then came Jesus.....
Their cry was one for help. Any help, just a word, a look, or even a touch. They had no clue what He may do but they knew what HE could do! From all that they had heard and may even have seen, HE was a miracle worker. And that is just what the doctor had ordered for them. You need a miracle from God. So they cried out.....
2) Our Second Nugget of Truth..... Often, Christ does not do things the way we would do things.
Then He (as HE often does) tested their hearts. He spoke the strangest (humanly speaking) words to their plight. "Go and show yourselves to the priests." Never mentioned their need, never addressed their infirmity, never even touched their deformed bodies. Isn't this just like Jesus. HE is so Awesome that HE never let's our weakness deter HIS strength nor HIS purpose. Here is what I mean. Why did He not say ...Be Healed??? Or Be Whole, or something of that nature? He simply instructed them to go to the priests and show themselves (healed). This was in obedience to the OT law instructions.We'll stop here for the day and return to this passage later. Now how about you and I? In a dire situation with nowhere to turn? Not sure what to do? Is God not seeming to be doing things the way you think HE should? Welcome to the club. This is the way HE often works. Not by our might, plans nor wisdom. Only HIS. Don't be defeated, HE is at work.He has even more Awesome things in store. It may not be without testing and trial but let me encourage you, HE shows up strong where HE is needed!! Cry out to HIM today. TOO often, we just don't even ask but HE delights to show Himself strong in our lives!
Do not be discouraged that HE isn't doing it the way you want just understand that we are allowing the Creator of the Universe do as HE pleases in our lives. ANYTHING is possible to those who believe! They are about to experience HIS touch......like no one has ever touched them before! How about you? Call out to HIM today. Do not delay another moment! He is passing by your village now!
Blessings
Bruce
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