Separated From Society

Luke 17:11-19

During the days when Jesus walked the earth, many people suffered from various illnesses and diseases, most of which kept them bedridden or unable to carry out daily duties. The worst of those diseases (in my opinion) had to be leprosy, because this illness kept men and women separated from society. Those who were leprous, were required to stand afar off from people considered clean. Aside from facing bitter social rejection, and being treated as outcasts, lepers were required to leave their homes and families, and join with others infected with leprosy, on the outskirts of town. In addition, They were forbidden from having contact with people who did not have the disease, and they had to ring a bell and shout “unclean” if anyone approached them. They couldn’t even go to the market place, and were also forbidden from taking part in worship. The worst fact concerning leprosy was, there was no cure for the diseases back then, so all who suffered from it, could only look forward to a slow, painful, and shameful death.

Living with the horrible condition of leprosy, could not have been a pleasant experience, but our lesson’s text reveals ten who were lepers, and had a life-changing experience, after an encounter with Jesus. While passing through the midst of Samaria and Galilee, Jesus entered a certain village, and was met by ten men, suffering from leprosy. Isn’t it interesting, how Jesus often found Himself among those who were sick or ill? I’m totally convinced, the Son of God knew to place Himself among the sick, so that the glory of the Father could be revealed to the suffering, and onlookers.

In a joint effort, the ten lepers cried with a loud voice and said, “Master, have mercy on us.” Rather than say, “Be healed”, or something of that nature, Jesus gave the men a simple command, “Go shew yourselves unto the priests.” If you’ve studied a little on the history of leprosy, you’ll know that the priests were ordained by God to consider someone to be clean or unclean, based on specifications mentioned in Leviticus chapter 13. But, Jesus told the men to show themselves to the priest, while they were yet leprous… an interesting command. Fortunately, as the men went, they were immediately cleansed. Although only one turned back to thank Jesus for his healing, all ten men, would no longer be labeled an outcast to society, but a welcomed citizen instead.

Just A Touch 2

Matthew 14:34-36

Throughout His ministry, Jesus was constantly on the move, traveling from place to place, doing the works of His Father. His purpose was to reach and teach as many as He could, during the time He would spend on the earth.

After revealing another dimension of His power by way of walking on water, and being acknowledged a second time as the Son of God, Jesus and those who followed Him, went to a land called Gennesaret. This fertile land was north of the shore of Galilee, and was known for producing both temperate and tropical fruits. This particular area was also brimming with people who suffered sickness and disease. So, when the men of the land recognized the man among them was Jesus, they quickly spread word to all the country, to bring all who were diseased to Jesus.

The most interesting point in this story seems to relate to the woman who had the issue of blood. I’m not 100 percent certain there’s a relation with the woman and the people of Gennesaret, but all who came to Jesus, sought only to touch the hem of His garment for their healing, so word of the woman’s story may have spread to this land as well. These sick folk had enough faith to believe, only a touch of Jesus’ clothes, would bring their healing. Mercifully, their faith was in the right place, for all who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment were made perfectly whole. Jesus didn’t perform half healings, but His manifestations were total and permanent.

Jesus healed according to the faith of those who came to Him, so all who desired healing, sought total deliverance and restoration. When you come to God, do you seek partial deliverance, or do you want God to give you a total and complete manifestation of those things your heart desires? Reach out in faith, and touch Jesus, so He can make you whole again.

When’s The Last Time…?

Psalm 106-107

When was the last time, you told God you love Him? When was the last time, you expressed gratefulness, simply for being alive? When was the last time, you hugged yourself? When was the last time, you considered how short life is? When was the last time, you treated yourself to something nice? When was the last time, you ignored your haters, and prayed for them instead? When was the last time, you stood your ground, in the midst of persecution and shame? When was the last time, you spoke highly of someone, other than yourself? When was the last time, you sat with an elderly person, and gleaned from their years of wisdom? When was the last time, you shared your wisdom with a child? When was the last time, you thought about men and women who are incarcerated, and felt a sense of sorrow? When was the last time, you visited someone who was sick, and in pain? When was the last time, you didn’t hesitate to give food, clothes, or money to the poor? When was the last time, you took a walk at night, gazed into the starlit sky, breathed in slowly, exhaled, then told God “thank you”? When was the last time, you looked around, and appreciated God’s creation? When was the last time, you brought comfort, to an uncomfortable situation? When was the last time, you actually meditated on the Word of God? When was the last time, your smile made someone’s day? When was the last time, you held your peace, even when you knew you were right? When was the last time, you helped someone grow closer to God? When was the last time, you held on to your faith, even when it seemed God had forgotten about you? When was the last time, you went on a fast (not a diet)? When was the last time, you shunned pride, for humility? When was the last time, your soft answer turned away someone’s wrath? When was the last time, your grievous words stirred up someone’s anger? When was the last time, you considered eternity? When was the last time, you made preparations for your eternal destination?

All For His Glory

John 11:1-11

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Starring, Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Jesus, and the Disciples! I’m your host, “holyell”, and I’ll be bringing you all the details of tonight’s most fascinating scenes!

Lazarus: (Moaning in pain and agony) Mmmmm… ugghhh… Martha…. Mary….

Martha: Lazarus! Lazarus! Oh no! Mary, his condition is getting worse!

Mary: God, if you’re listening, please help our ailing brother.

Martha: If Jesus was here, He would save our brother. Mary, let’s send word to Jesus that we desperately need His help.

Mary: Alright sister, I’ll make haste to do so. Lazarus, you hold on. I’m sending a messenger to find Jesus.

Lazarus: (Moaning goes from intense, to subtle, as Lazarus drifts into sleep) mmm…hmmm…Mar..

(Messenger arrives where Jesus is, and is met by the disciples)

Messenger: Excuse me. Pardon me, but is the healer here?

Disciples: If you’re referring to Jesus, yes. He is.

Messenger: If possible, could you bid Him to come, because I have an urgent message to deliver.

Disciples: Whatever you have to tell the Master, you can say to us.

Messenger: Well, if you insist. The message reads, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.”

(Jesus overhears the message)

Jesus: Worry not kind sir, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of man might be glorified thereby.”

Disciples: Oh, hello Master. We were just…

Jesus: It’s ok men. Tell them I will come soon (to the messenger).

Messenger: Thank you my Lord. I shall.

Disciples: Master, what’s going on? What was that all about? Do you know who the man was referring to?

Jesus: Prepare yourselves men, for in two days, we will journey again to Judea.

Disciples: Woah woah woah! Wait a minute. My Lord, a few weeks ago the Jews there sought to stone you. It’s too dangerous to return there now. Don’t you agree?

Jesus: Gentlemen, when you know the plan of the enemy, you can wisely plan around it.

Disciples: Oooooh, right. That makes so much sense. You are beyond man’s wisdom, my Lord

Jesus: Besides, you’ll soon see and understand my purpose in doing things the way I do, then youI’ll believe.

*The disciples often questioned the methods Jesus used in certain situations, and failed to see the spiritual significance behind it, but the longer they observed His works, the more they realized how amazing the power of God was, working through His Son. Oftentimes we see things in our own lives that may appear as dead, but God allows things to be put on hold, long enough for the world to assume it’s over, so that He can then restore life and purpose to that dead situation. In times when you don’t understand God’s plan, keep the faith, and watch how He works things out in your favor.

This concludes the exciting episode of, “All For His Glory”! Thanks for tuning in.

“No Fear In Love”

(1 John 4:16-21

Do you fear the “Day of Judgment”? Are unsure, whether or not you are living a life that pleases the almighty God? Are you keeping the commandments written in Scripture to love God, love your brother, and your enemies? Do you find it hard to give to others, during their times of need? When people hurt and offend you, can you easily forgive them, and continue loving them according to God’s standard? When was the last time you visited the sick, widows, or the fatherless? Have you considered praying for those in prisons, hospitals, or even governments? Does most of the time spent during your day, revolve only around your needs, wants, and desires? Is prayer and fasting (according to Bible), a balanced part of your spiritual life?

One day real soon, this world will pass, and only what you’ve done for God, will last. So, consider your ways, dwell in love, and allow God to dwell in you. This way, you can be prepared to have boldness in the “Day of Judgment”, while overcoming the world until that day arrives.

“It’s okay to ask God for what you want, but don’t be surprised when He gives you what you need.” – Ell

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Matthew 25:41-46

Up to this point in your life, how have you treated those who were hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned? It may take a few moments for you to think on all those situations, but according to Jesus, the church should pay close attention to those struggling in these areas, and waste no time, attending to their needs. While it is true, we were made the righteousness of God, through Christ Jesus, according to 2 Corinthians 5:21, we are to prove our allegiance to the Father through our works. How we treat others, reveals the secrets of our heart toward God. When a man loves God beyond words alone, he makes it his business to help those in need, on a daily basis. Whether it be lending a listening ear to someone dealing with a struggle, providing food for the hungry, or telling a lost soul about Jesus, the body of Christ should always be found doing something, to make the lives of others better.

There are those who bark and rant that they love God, and can even quote Scriptures easily, but they only do it for show, and have no real intentions to get their hands dirty in the field. God has rewards awaiting those who fulfill His love command, as well as for those who willingly refuse. The righteous have no problem taking time to relieve people of the pressures life presents to them, including children, whereas the unrighteous can turn their face away from a hungry child, with no remorse at all. Always be mindful of how you treat people today, because it’ll ultimately determine where you will spend eternity.

Walk in love,

Ell