The Leper Holds Nothing Back

This year there is One Word I have chosen that I'm going to dwell on. This is the word that will guide my choices this year. Once again I want to give a shout out to My One Word. You can read more about it in my last post.

My One Word is All-In. Over the next few blog posts I'm going to be looking into the Gospel and finding examples of an All-In lifestyle, We're going to look at God fearing men and women who held nothing back.

To begin, I'm going to tell you a story. It's rooted in Mark 1:40-45.

There was this man, and he had a problem. You see, according to his peers he wasn't a man at all. He was unclean. He had leprosy.

Leprosy was a curse. Big green and yellow blotches would grow on the skin. Soon the inflicted lost feeling in their hands and feet. It wasn't long before they lost limbs to infection.

What's worse, leprosy was contagious. To have leprosy was to be ostracized from the community. Lepers often lived in their own little camps. When they went into town they had to yell "Unclean! Unclean!", warning everybody to stay away.

To have leprosy was to be marked for life. Leprosy was a death sentence.

It came upon a day that this particular Leper had heard some crazy tales about a man named Jesus. This Jesus fellow had just begun his ministry, and at this point in time was trying to keep his true nature on the down low.

It didn't matter, however. This Leper had heard all about Jesus. He had heard that Jesus was casting out demons, turning water into wine, and even healing those who were sick.

The Leper heard that Jesus was going to pass by a local town. Excited, yet nervous of what would happen, the Leper wrapped his cloak on tight and ran towards the city. He entered through the gate, yelling "Unclean!" as he went. He was given wide berth.

The leper found a secluded spot on wall and sat down to wait. He hoped he wasn't too late; this Jesus had to be coming.

The Leper fought the temptation to doze off as he waited for Jesus to come. Soon there was a commotion. Lots of people were moving down the street. This was his chance! Standing, the Leper surveyed the crowd. There was one man who was talking while the others listened. This had to be that Jesus fellow.

Running, the Leper got in Jesus’ way, fell to his knees, and threw back his cloak. The crowd gasped. This man had Leprosy. He was going to defile Jesus. “If You are willing," the Leper pleaded, "You can make me clean.”

Jesus looked town at the kneeling Leper. The Leper was holding nothing back. He truly believed he could be healed.

Compassion filled the heart of Jesus. He was moved to do the unthinkable. Jesus lay his hand on the Leper.

Gasps filled the small crowd. An old lady in the back feinted. The crowd had expected Jesus to send the man away. Instead Jesus had touched the Leper. In the minds of the people watching this was an unthinkable act.

“I am willing," Jesus said with authority, "be cleansed.” As soon as Jesus spoke something wonderful happened. Immediately the leprosy began to fade until there was only smooth, clean skin - no green blotches.

The Leprosy was gone. This man was no longer an outcast. Jesus had healed him completely.

Wow, what a story. The Leper is a perfect example of going all-in, of holding nothing back. The Leper knew that by approaching Jesus there was a good chance that those who lived in the city could stone him for contamination - after all, he was less than human.

It didn't stop the Leper.

The Leper had only heard rumors of this Jesus fellow. What if Jesus could not, or would not heal him? It didn't matter to the Leper. He saw his opportunity, and he took it.

The All-In lifestyle means holding nothing back. Be like the Leper - take a leap of faith, commit completely - the Lord will respond.