Christ Bridges the Gap

Matthew 8:1-3
1When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy

Imagine the scene - large crowds following Jesus, pushing, jostling, trying to get close to the Lord. There comes a leper. Society considers him an outcast - he was repulsive, he dared not get close to anyone. Even when he needed to be in the public place, he had to announce himself, "Unclean, unclean!". Imagine his shame when people would run to get out of range.

But here comes one who is different. He has made the difficult choice - he would rather endure the shame than miss an opportunity to get close to the master. And not for nothing - something within him said that this Jesus had the power to change his situation for the better. And again - he was sure that this Jesus was different - he would not turn His face away like others did.

That assurance made him come out to the open among the same people in whose eyes he was an object of contempt.

And watch how the master reacts. He does the unthinkable - he reaches out and touches this untouchable man. And in an instant, his leprosy is gone. God had honored his faith.

May a time, we are faced with a choice. Do we opt for the safer option which does not invite ridicule? Or do we have enough faith in the master to cross that barrier which seems so difficult?
Sometimes it is such a simple thing as standing up for the truth of the Word of God. Or it might be refusing to follow the crowd in enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Whatever the case - our father is waiting for us to cross that barrier. And we can be sure that our master will reach out to touch us and welcome us into his open arms!

God Bless!