Someone different from the crowd

admin

8 years ago

SOMEONE DIFFERENT FROM THE CROWD

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Matthew 8:1-2 NLT

The Bible talks about the great multitudes that followed Jesus, and how there was one person who dared to believe for a miracle. There is always someone who is different from the crowd, because their faith doesn’t let them conform to being like everyone else.
This man with leprosy did several things that the multitude did not.

1. He believed despite what the crowd thought.
This man chose to believe in Jesus despite the people and their criticism. Many of them only heard about the miracles, but their faith was not activated to receive one. God longs for you too, to believe in Him during this time of your life. Your faith has the potential to provoke a miracle in you, just as it happened with the leper. You are not an exception!

2. He acted upon what he believed.
The Word says:

Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him… Matthew 8:2 NLT

It’s not only about believing in God, but it’s also about coming close to Him in prayer, reading the scriptures, attending and serving your church. The leper took the initiative and drew near. Do not isolate yourself from the Lord nor the Church; you can only receive what you are looking for when you go to the place it can be found. If you spend a lot of time watching television, you will only receive the bad news, violence, or the family dramas that so commonly happen. Nevertheless, if you come close to the Heavenly Father, you will receive more from Him such as your miracle.

3. He asked with a sincere heart.

… Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Matthew 8:2-3 NLT

Even though God already knows what you need, He doesn’t get upset when you ask Him for it. In fact, He wants you to ask Him, because it fills His heart to be able to bless you. The Bible clearly says: ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7).
Furthermore, you need to ask correctly. Everything you ask God for has to be in accordance to His will, because that is what He considers good. This is why, the Word also mentions: And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure (James 4:3).

Think about it:

What are you doing to exercise your faith?
How do you intend to get closer to God? Are you serving your church more, praying more and reading the Bible more?