Two Powerful Words!

“I WILL!”; two words that are powerful whether spoken or received. For us to say “I WILL” is to commit to doing something, raising the expectation we will indeed follow through. For us to have someone say “I WILL” to us is to be the recipient of two encouraging words expressing the WILLINGNESS of another to do something for us.

Matthew recorded the account of a leper who worshipfully, humbly and in faith approached Jesus with a request to be cleansed. Crowds were following after Jesus ( Matthew 8:1), but this man gained Jesus’ individual attention.
It appears this one with leprosy had no question with regard to Jesus’
ability. However, he seemed to perhaps not have been quite so certain regarding Jesus’ WILLINGNESS. ( Matthew 8:2) Making no demand of Jesus -- no statement of “If you are the Messiah cleanse me.” -- this leper seemed to make the request appealing to Jesus’ mercy.

Note Matthew’s record of Jesus’ response.
“And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I WILL; BE CLEAN.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” ( Matthew 8:3 ESV)

Two special things took place. First, this “untouchable” felt the touch of the Savior’s hand. That must have meant a great deal to this one who had lived for who knows how long in isolation from the physical touch of society. Secondly, he was the recipient of the Lord’s “I WILL” and was cleansed of this loathsome disease. Oh what a powerful uplift to his spirit that must have been!

As we consider the individual interest the Lord has in each living soul, not only should we have faith in His ability to do what He has said He will do, but also in His WILLINGNESS to follow through. He WILLINGLY left Heaven and came to earth to walk among man. He WILLINGLY used His power to touch the lives of those who were so in need of the touch of God in their lives.
He WILLINGLY endured the cross that we could have the hope of eternal salvation through the cleansing of His blood. In all of this He was WILLING to respond and meet our greatest need; not the cleansing (or healing) of body, but of soul.

In light of our Lord’s WILLINGNESS, what can we say about our own. Are we continuing to WILLINGLY submit to Him and His Will? Does our life reflect a WILLINGNESS to follow steadfastly in His steps? The greatest way for us to reveal our genuine appreciation for what He was (and is) WILLING to do on our behalf, is to respond to Him with our own “I WILL” of complete submission. May the powerful encouragement of our Lord’s “I WILL” give rise to our own sincere “I WILL” of steadfast commitment to being His faithful disciple.

Have a great day EAGERLY RESPONDING TO THE SAVIOR’S LOVE!
Carl

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