MARK DEVOTIONS
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Leprosy (or any skin disease) was dreaded, with people having them being ostracized (excluded from) the community; it was even thought of as a sign of God’s punishment. So when the man begged Jesus for healing, he wanted more than to be well, he yearned to be accepted by his community; not live in isolation and disgrace. Notice three things that Jesus did: he showed his complete acceptance of the man even while he was diseased – he touched him (a scandalous act!). He assured the man he was willing to heal him (God’s assurance before He acts). He only then shows his power by actually healing the man (nothing is too small or impossible when God wills it). The man is healed! And all Jesus expects of him was to fulfil what was required of true worship – obedience. But does he do that?
Prayer: I praise and thank you Lord for being such a generous God. You give me more than I deserve and I have seen you doing the “impossible” in my own life, and in the lives of those around me. But forgive me for not recognizing you when you were indeed at work, or when I quickly forgot it, or when I just took it for granted. Forgive me that, like the healed man, I often am not obedient to worship you in obedience in the way you want me to – I want to respond to you in whatever way I feel like. Keep working in my life Lord. And will worship you your way (not mine), by being obedient to your leading. Amen.
Song: LISTEN TO SONG
