And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
I was talking with the director of a mission for men who informed me that he had begun as a resident there. He was a Jew who became a follower of Christ. He had been healed from sin but his family disowned him and kicked him out. They saw the change and did not like it. I wonder what happened when the leper was healed by Jesus and went to the Jewish priest to make an offering. He had been healed of a dreaded disease that Carl Price told us in Bible Study last night was a fate worse than death in Israel. In both cases, a changed life was visible. The healed leper need not say anything to anyone. The evidence of redemption was as clear as his newly restored skin.
When Jesus Christ changes us, there is an unmistakable change in our appearance and demeanor. People know something is different. I have a class reunion this weekend and I am certain someone will notice I am no longer the class clown but a church servant. Words will be unnecessary. In our case, however, Jesus commands us to tell all nations, discipling them, baptizing them, and teaching them who Jesus is and how he can make a stark difference in their lives. Next time you meet someone who feels they are living a fate worse than death, tell them the story of the leper and your own story of redemption.
Dear Lord, thank you for the greatest story ever told. Help us to have an opportunity to tell our story and show ourselves as healed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church