Is my hand shortened that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Isaiah 50: 2.

[“Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?  Another translation]   There was a leper who came to Jesus and knelt before him saying. “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Matthew 8: 2.

Nothing is impossible with God.  The Israelites had certainly seen this. God sent ten plagues on the Egyptians; He parted the Red Sea so they could cross safely. God provided light for their journey and also food in the form of manna and quail. They arrived at their intended destination, and fairly quickly forgot all about their Lord. Then comes exile and wonderment that their God has abandoned them. In Isaiah, God is speaking saying it was not He who abandoned them, but they who abandoned God. After all, he doesn’t lack power or strength to rescue them, He had called them, and they didn’t answer or listen.  

The leper in Matthew comes to Jesus and asks for healing. He doesn't say, Hey, can you do this maybe it might be possible. Rather, he knows that Jesus can heal him. He is aware of what Jesus has just finished saying in the Sermon on the Mount, he was listening. He asks for Jesus to use His power to heal. Jesus listens and does as asked:  the leper is healed and is told to go to the priests to show that he is clean. Now, we do know that we can’t just pray and say, please heal us, and immediately be cured. (Although occasionally that does happen.) Rather we know that God has power to heal us physically, mentally and spiritually. God listens to us and supplies answers to our prayers, whether it is the answer we expect or not.    

Most High God, nothing is impossible for you. You revealed your power and glory as your human hand touched lepers, healed the sick, blessed children, and raised the dead. Thank you for delivering us from the guilt of our sins. You make us clean. You are the most high and we praise you! Amen.  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party