He Touched Me

Was watching 3ABN while lying sick on the couch yesterday. A dramatization of the following story came on:

A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “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!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. (Matthew 8:2, 3 NIV)

Here was a man who had been labeled as unclean, a reject, separated from society and deprived of human touch. His future must have looked very grim. But then one day that all changed. He had probably heard the rumors, maybe even seen Jesus heal. But he had no assurance of what would happen to him if he dared to approach Jesus. It took guts to step out (vulnerability). But really, he had already lost what he held most dear, what more could be lost? So he dared to approach Jesus. And He said: if you are willing, you can cleanse me. He didn't ask Jesus to heal his leprosy, but rather recognized his need for something much deeper. He began by acknowledging his belief in Jesus' power and ability to cleanse and heal (I understand that the Greek word used refers to a cleansing from the inside out). So Jesus reached out and touched him. Touched him! He had not felt a kind touch in so long, and that's exactly what Jesus chose to do. The man's entire life was changed in an instant, by a touch. The touch of Jesus is full of power and healing and life. It can cleanse every aspect of life (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc). It changes things, it gives hope and grace and peace. 

I feel like this leper, unclean and needing Jesus to get rid of my diseased heart and mind. So I call out today: Jesus, you can cleanse me and make me whole. I bow before you, submit to your methods, and give you permission to work in my life.

Shackled by a heavy burden 
'Neath a load of guilt and shame 
Then the hand of Jesus touched me 
Now I am no longer the same. 
He touched me, oh He touched me 
And oh the joy that floods my soul 
Something happened and now I know 
He touched me and made me whole. 
Since I met the blessed Saviour 
Since He cleansed and made me whole 
I will never cease to praise Him 
I'll shout it while eternity rolls. 
He touched me, oh He touched me 
And oh the joy that floods my soul 
Something happened and now I know 
He touched me and made me whole...

(Song titled "He Touched Me" by Bill Gaither)