Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed’
The Son of God – sent by love, motivated by love, and reaching in love. We often see Jesus with His hands extended, reaching out to touch a wounded world.
He demonstrates His love with actions – reaching beyond racial, cultural, and gender barriers, beyond sin, shameful pasts, and societal condemnation, beyond time and space to heal and restore.
Standing at a well in the midday sun, Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman. Rejected by Jews and Samaritans alike, Jesus gave her living water so that she never need thirst again.
The scribes and Pharisees caught a woman in the very act of adultery. Instead of pointing an accusing finger, Jesus challenged the man who was without sin to throw the first stone. When they retreated, He sent her home to “sin no more” with no weight of condemnation.
When the disciples shooed away the children, Jesus took them in His arms and blessed them. When the blind man came seeking sight, Jesus took Him by the hand. When the leper begged to be made clean, Jesus reached out and touched his diseased body.
At the border of the cross, Jesus still stands with hands extended. He longs to gather every person under the shadow and safety of His wings. May He teach us to reach with the same love that drove Him to the ultimate sacrifice.
Blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May the Lord baptize you in the love that causes you to reach beyond every barrier. May He open your eyes to see what He sees in others. May He teach you to reach like He does. In the name of Jesus…amen.
Today's Bible Reading:
Old Testament
Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12
New Testament
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 47:1-9
Proverbs 22:16
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