“And He went into their synagogues preaching throughout Galilee and casting out the demons. And a man with leprosy came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean. “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed. “And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.” (Mark 1:39-45 NASB)
It’s Sunday morning, and I really owe you a couple of short meditations, right? Well, here is one to start your Sunday morning. In the text above, look at what actions follow the word “and” as it relates to Jesus. Let’s label it, “Jesus’ And.” As you look, you will see that every “Jesus’ And” shows Him doing what the Father sent Him to do. Still looking at the text above, focus on the actions of the healed leper in verse 45. We label it, “The Healed Leper’s And.” The healed leper’s and” shows him being disobedient to what Jesus told him not to do in verse 44. It is a good thing that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. And yes, the Son loved the Father, as much as the Father loved Him. Worth noting: With Jesus, everything is going to work out!
We have looked at “Jesus’ And” and we have looked at “The Healed Leper’s And.” Now let’s look at “Your And.” What’s going to come after “Your And” when you leave the worship service today? What about all the days in the week to come? I will ask again: “What’s going to come after “Your And?”
This was short, but I hope it stirred up some God-consciousness and Christ-centered living in the days ahead. Have a great week! Perhaps the words of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “Order My Steps” should be part of your prayers this week. Be blessed?
“Please order my steps Lord, and I’ll do your blessed will.
The world is ever changing, but you are still the same. If you order my steps Lord, I’ll praise your name.”
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King