This morning I read about two different encounters Jesus had with lepers, as recorded in the Gospels according to Mark and Luke. In Mark 1:40-42, a leper was cleansed when Jesus touched him and declared him clean. Immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was cleansed. In Luke 17:12-14, ten lepers were cleansed because they obeyed a command from Jesus. When they asked Jesus for mercy, He commanded them to go show themselves unto the priests. As they went, they were cleansed. According to the law in Leviticus 13 and 14, lepers were required to follow very precise instructions, as well as make several sacrificial offerings, in order to be cleansed. Those lepers in Luke were given instructions but no offering was required. It is recorded in I Samuel 15:22 that it is better to obey than sacrifice. There have been times that I have made sacrifices through my giving, my praying, my praise, etc. I've come to understand though that those things mean very little if I am not willing to move at God's command. Sacrificial giving, praise, prayer, and fasting are all good spiritual exercises but can God trust us to do what He wants, when and how He wants it done? After reading Luke 17:14, I was so amazed at the words ''as they went''! Jesus said "go" and they went! I'm sure they were aware of the power He had to heal them with a touch but they obeyed without thought, without hesitation, without bargain, without murmuring or complaining. As they began to walk in obedience to the command of Jesus, they were healed!!! Sometimes we're not gonna see or experience the move of God in our lives or on a particular situation until we move at His command! Last Sunday, I shared some things we are required to do if we want God to move on our behalf. There are many commands in His Word that we must obey, as well as commands that He gives us individually. Either way, we are to obey!!! Peace, Blessings, and Favor
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