Monday – Begging: Read Mark 1:40-45. The leper came to Jesus and begged him on his knees. Can you feel the anguish in his soul as he cries out for help? Have you ever had this type of experience when you were so desperate that you cried out to Jesus begging for an answer? The response you would have received is “I am willing.” It is the love and mercy of Jesus that is the source of his action toward us. Jesus came to heal the sick, the brokenhearted, and outcasts of the world.

 

Tuesday – Filled with Compassion: Read Mark 1:40-45. Lepers were seen by society as unclean and untouchable. Lepers were avoided by people due to fear, prejudice, and indifference. What do you see in the behavior of Jesus? Jesus goes to the man because he is filled with compassion. He touches him which would have been scandalous. Jesus did the unthinkable and showed the man mercy even when his disciples probably would have been horrified at the thought. Who are the unclean and untouchable in our world? AIDS victims, poor, orphan, people of a different race or social class? Is your heart filled with compassion for them? Pray that your soul will be filled with compassion and you will have the courage to be more like Jesus.

 

Wednesday- Imitation: Read Ephesians 5:1-2. Most of us have role models that we have tried to imitate in our lives. It may have been our parents, siblings, coaches, celebrities or other persons of influence. They were the person we wanted to become when we grew up. Would you make Jesus your role model and mentor now? Would you do what he did and said what he said? Would you try to have his character and qualities? If so, then work with the downtrodden and poor is not optional and is non-negotiable. Working with the sick and hurting is who you are, not just something you do. Christ gave himself in service to others? Are you willing? 

 

Thursday – Being With Them: Read John 11:17-44. When Lazarus had died, Jesus came and comforted his friends, Mary and Martha. Verse 35 reads, “When he saw their weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” He wept with them. But Jesus also acted and showed the people that he is “the resurrection and the Life” v. 25. While we may not be able to bring the dead back to life, we can follow Jesus’ example of the ministry of presence. Weeping with them, praying for them and being present is a great comfort to people who are mourning and grieving. If we are the church and we are present in times of crisis, then Jesus is there. 

 

Friday – Someone Else: Read Mark 1:40-45. “When will someone solve this problem?” “We need someone to do this.” “When will someone tell me what is going on?” It is a lack of personal accountability in our attitude when we think this way. Instead, let’s ask questions like, “How can I help solve this problem?” “What can I do about this?” “What can I do to find out what is going on?” Jesus didn’t look for someone else to heal the leper. He said, “I am willing” and took action. When will you take action instead of looking for someone else?

 

Saturday – Response: Read Mark 1:40-45. When the leper was cured by Jesus, what was his response? The text says, “He went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news” v. 45.  Has Jesus had a profound impact on your life? How have you experienced the mercy and compassion of Jesus? The response is to tell others. Good news is too important to keep to ourselves. Praise Jesus in the company of others for your life – your family & friends, your resources, your health, & your blessings. Thank Jesus in the company of others for your life – your gifts and talents, your memories and past, your future and hope. That is worship – God loves to hear our praise and gratitude!