Devotion for Friday, May 31, 2024

“When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:1-2).

“Lord, if you choose,” is the way to pray.  Maybe the Lord knows something we do not and will not heal.  The Lord is Lord and He will do nothing that will thwart the Father’s plans.  Too many seem to think that all they need do is ask and Jesus will grant whatever we ask.  But the reality is, the Lord is always the Lord and we are the sinners who are making a humble request.  Humility is always in order.

Lord, I do often treat You like some cosmic Santa Claus.  If You give me what I want, You are good.  If You do not, I do not like You.  Strip that sinful heart away so that in good times and bad time, I praise You.  You are the One who must author and finish my faith.  You know what I need even before I ask.  Lead me to live into the life You are calling me to live so that I may learn how to be faithful.

Lord Jesus, You have healed whom You have healed, but You did not heal all the people.  We sinners do not understand this.  But You are Lord.  Help me always approach You in humility, just as I am, to follow Your lead.  Guide me today and when I pray, turn my heart to willing submission so that whatever Your answer, I praise You.  Lead me, Lord Jesus, so that I may learn from You how to be faithful.  Amen.