Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, January 17, 2022
Today’s Text: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
Key Verse: Matthew 8:2 (ESV): “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”
Why would this desperately needy leper come with such hesitation and anxiety with which he approached Jesus? We can easily relate to this when we understand the common factor of doubt in our lives as well. We sometimes have reservations before our benefactors when we consider the gravity of our need—especially when that benefactor is God, and we are blinded to the magnitude of His power at work in our favor or on our behalf.
At other times, we are in want of evidence or sign before we can believe God. Jesus’ answer to the sign seekers in the gospel was an absolute refusal, “No sign shall be given.” Well, could this be the case with this man? Or, could it be that he has not personally witnessed or heard of any instance in which Jesus had put forth his power to cleanse a leper, and, hence his self imposed reservation?
What possibly are your own man made caveats today? Until we take off the jacket and cloud of the doubt that shrouds our petitions, we may, by ourselves, be limiting the power available to aid our case before God. The spirit of doubt in a Christian’s life negates the trustful reliance necessary to receive. Note that not just in this story, but as always, Jesus is ever willing and ready to give, but a double minded person is not able to receive from God.
The difference between this leprous brother and many of us, however, is the reason for the doubt. Whereas many of us doubt the capability of God to give, not this brother! Being a leper, his doubts is on his own capability to receive. His doubts and fears were because he was ceremonially unclean and legally, socially, judicially and religiously disqualified to access such a priest and prophet as Jesus.
It takes great faith, confidences and hopes for him to actually step out to let the Master decide his fate by divine will: “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Meaning: I know that you can do it. What I don’t know is if you will. But you are Lord anyways! True faith anticipates no impossibility. God is more willing to bless, save, heal and deliver than we are ever willing and able to receive them. Jesus is teaching us a lesson through this text: “Dear child, your doubts are unnecessary!”
Quote for the Day: “When it comes to receiving faith, our first motivation is always right. The second thought is hesitation—the voice of doubt.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, to you who said “All things are possible for one who believes” I cry out O Lord, help my unbelief! Clear away all my doubts and fears — in Jesus’ name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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