you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to, be
clean again.” At that very moment the man was cleansed from his leprosy. Then Jesus said
to him, “See that you do not tell anyone, but go to the priest, have yourself declared clean,
and offer the gift that Moses commanded as evidence for them.”
Reflect
Three religions call Abraham their father in faith: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism
and Christianity trace their roots through Abraham’s son Isaac while Islam considers Ishmael
their ancestor. What makes Abraham so special? How can his example inform our lives of
faith?
Abraham listened to the Lord and obeyed his commands. Because of this, God entered
into a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, promising to make them a great nation
that would be a source of blessing. Abraham trusted the Lord’s promises, even when they
seemed impossible, like an elderly couple bearing a child. Abraham’s faith in the Lord
could not be shaken.
These facets of Abraham’s life should mark our lives of discipleship as well. First, it is
important to take time to listen for the Lord’s voice. How can we obey God’s commands
if we do not listen? Then we should enter into a relationship with the Lord who loves us,
sharing with him our hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows. Finally, we should trust that
God, who sent his Son to die so that we might live, will always be close to us in love.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023