What Kind Of Leper Are You?
I learned something recently. Leprosy, although extremely rare, still exists and is now better known as Hansen’s disease in the medical field. It is easily cured with a series of antibiotics and 95% of the population is naturally immune to it. So I don’t think we need to be concerned. However, I encourage you all to avoid nine-banded armadillos because they are apparently a natural host for the bacteria. (I’ll have to research about those another time.) Shockingly, there are still a few leper colonies in existence today in parts of India, China and other countries. Leprosy was a big deal back in ancient times and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It was feared and sometimes viewed as a punishment. Those stricken with the disease were completely ostracized and forced to live away from people. They were considered “unclean” in a big way.
In Luke chapter 9, beginning with verse eleven, we read of the account of Jesus coming upon a group of ten lepers. They must have been hanging out together at the edge of the village because–well, I guess that was who your social circle became given those circumstances. They kept their distance, but obviously knew who Jesus was and were completely aware of all the miraculous healings for which he had become famous. They cried out to Jesus, calling him “Master” and pleaded for him to have pity and mercy on them. I picture this being a scene of complete humility. Perhaps they were even prostrate, faces to the ground, pleading with anguished expressions.
All we are told in this account is that Jesus took a good look at them and told them to go show themselves to the priests. This is significant because they would never go to a priest if they were still infected with their disease. The reason for going to a priest was to be examined for proof of healing and to bring an offering that was required in Moses’ law. (See Luke 5:14) These particular lepers went as told and it doesn’t appear that they even hesitated. Maybe they read between the lines. Why else would Jesus send us to the priests? Woohoo! And they were healed enroute. Another miracle.
But the healing here isn’t the point of the story. There were ten lepers but only one bothered to come back to thank Jesus. And he didn’t just say thanks. He loudly praised God and fell at Jesus’ feet. The change in him was not just physical. It was emotional and spiritual. He was healed of his disease but he recognized the fullness of this tremendous gift. This was a touch from God himself. His response involved first of all recognition and then an intentional response. It took time to go all the way back to where Jesus was. He had to leave the others and they would all get to the priests before him. He was willing to let them leave him behind. The change in him drove him to humility and adoration.
All ten lepers were healed, but only to this one who recognized the full potential of a touch from the Lord did Jesus say, “Your faith has made you well.” This man’s physical body was healed but his faith had made him fully healed.
Friends, we are all lepers in some area of our lives and need a touch from the Savior. Miracles are happening around us all the time. God is always at work. So I am challenging us during this Thanksgiving season to follow the model of this one healed leper. First, notice the miracles. Do we recognize God at work? Secondly, take the time to respond in humility and the praise He deserves. And then, experience the full healing offered by a loving God who makes us whole. Stop and consider. What kind of leper are you?
