God’s Word is a treasure chest. Unlatch the cover, pry it open, and you will discover riches. The treasures of God are purer than gold and more brilliant than diamonds, but they are often disguised in phrases of simple beauty:
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son … (John 3)
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want … (Psalm 23)
- It is finished! (John 19)
- I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4)
Recently, while rummaging through God’s treasure chest, I found another gem. See if you can spot the glimmer in the verses below. You’ll have to look closely. This little nugget is inconspicuous.
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him.
Luke 5:12-13 NIV
Did you see it? Hidden there among those six sentences lie three words—I am willing.
If words reveal the heart, these words tell me Jesus has a BIG HEART; a big heart for people. When the leper begged to be healed Jesus did not respond, “Let me think about it,” or “I’m really kind of busy right now,” or “Would you stop interrupting me.” No. He said, “I am willing. Be clean.”
To a leper shunned by society, those words were more valuable than any golden coin or glimmering jewel.
As I think about that passage, I am like the leper in two ways: First, I have my own share of problems--every day! Second, the Lord is willing to help. He is willing to help in every crisis, conflict, conundrum, and catastrophe. He is willing to help at every crossroad and in every contest. Like the leper, I simply need to ask.
What is your most pressing problem today? Take it to the One who is willing to help!