“Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” ¹³ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴ And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” ¹⁵ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. ¹⁶ But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” Luke 5:12-16

Jesus reaches out to touch the unclean man – without hesitation, without fear, without concern for what others think of his gesture. And this is significant because, in his context, by touching an “unclean” person, he too would be unclean. As a Rabbi, this would have presented a real dilemma for Jesus, according to the other religious leaders. But not according to Jesus.

Can we do the same to those in our communities who are “unclean?” How often are we concerned with the cleanliness of our homes, our clothes, our eating utensils, our hands, so much so that it interferes with doing other things? I am not saying that cleanliness is not next to Godliness, but cleanliness should not keep us from being witnesses to G-d and for G-d – especially for the ministry of Jesus Christ who touched the unclean and showed no concern for risking his own cleanliness. Are we willing to make others clean and risk our own cleanliness? Our ministries to the poor, the oppressed and the imprisoned will often put us in contact with those who are not clean – by societal standards. If it was not a problem for Jesus, then why should it be a problem for us? Ministry is often dirty business.

Pastor Dave

⁴² At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. ⁴³ But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” ⁴⁴ So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.” Luke 4:42-44

Jesus has been busy – teaching, healing, casting out demons. He attempts to go to a deserted place to get away from the crowds, to have some time to think, maybe even to pray. But, the crowds find him and seek to keep him from leaving them. But Jesus tells them that he must go to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of G-d to other cities as well. I am sure that, while he appreciates the admiration, having some alone time would have been refreshing and necessary for his ministry schedule.  

How important quiet time is to us and how necessary it is when we have been stressed by our situations, Amen? One of the reasons that I write devotions for the members of Trinity (and yes for others as well) is that we all need time — due time each day for quiet reflection, for reading, prayer, and devotions. Make this time useful, guard this time – and be aware that when the stress of life is getting too much, then be intentional to take time to get away.

Pastor Dave