A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion,[i] Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Mark 1:40-41 NLT
I recently did a lot of front end work on my daughters car. I initially started with replacing the struts, but the tie rod ends were in horrible shape. The tie rods are the parts that connect your wheel to the steering mechanism. This repair requires a follow-up professional alignment for your wheels and steering. When I test drove the car after my work was finished the steering wheel resting position was about 45 degrees rotated to the right. I had affected it’s natural bent, which will be adjusted in the alignment.
God has two natural bents toward us. The first is a God of wrath and judgment addressing our sin and unholiness. Like Adam after he sinned, we live in fear of being near God. We are quite unsure how God will respond to us when He draws near. Everyone on the earth starts with this status of conflict with God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Paul says we stand ready to fight as an enemy of God…we lose.
Adam hid. We hide too. Some hide by avoiding God. Some hide by trying to make God not exist with all types of human arguments and philosophies. Some hide by changing the rules that God has established as His standard of holiness. Some hide by insisting that there is no life after death, so eat, drink and be merry now for there is no accountability for actions. Some believe there is a God, but are hypocritical as it pertains to change of behavior.
God’s second bent occurs solely on the basis of the love of His Son, Jesus, who gave His life as a willing and perfect sacrifice. God always looks at His Son with favor and blessing. Those who receive Jesus into their lives have a status change of favor. We are now “In Christ”. The same favor and love that God has for His Son, now applies to us in every way.
Now that you are God’s child, HE IS WILLING. Bring your request to your Father of mercy who loves you all the time. Share your concerns that burden your heart. Present your request of intercession for your life, family members and friends. Stay in His presence, for you are welcomed at His throne. Receive peace to your troubled spirit, for He is willing to share His peace and life with you.
God has a natural bent toward His children. If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 NIV. Jesus was willing and touched the man. May you receive the fresh touch of His love today.
Blessings, Love y’all