“I Will”

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. -Matthew 8:2,3

Jesus did two things when He was moved with compassion: First, He touched the leper. Second, He said something to him.

I always thought that the moment Jesus touched someone, that person was healed. But this man’s leprosy didn’t depart until Jesus said something. Apparently, His words were as important as His touch.

What did Jesus say to the leper? "Be cleansed.” He gave the command for the leprosy to depart. But He also said something else—the phrase most Christians are looking for—"I will.”

Notice what Jesus didn’t say. He didn’t say, “I won’t” or “Later.” He didn’t say, “This disease is good for you” or “You deserve this” or "God sent this leprosy to teach you something.”

Jesus didn’t have to fast and pray to find out God's will. He just said, “I will.” He knew God’s will. He also knew one of His purposes for coming to earth was to destroy all the works of the devil (1John 3:8), including sickness and disease. Part of Jesus’ commission was to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils and bring deliverance to all mankind—spirit, soul and body.

God never told Jesus to just seek out a few here and there who needed healing. Jesus was sent to heal all! So when the man said, “If You will", Jesus responded,"Of course I will! Why shouldn’t I heal you? God's will is healing for all mankind.”

CONFESSION:

My Father sent Jesus to destroy the works of the devil, including sickness. Sickness isn’t in God’s plan for me. Therefore, by faith I receive my healing!

From: A Devotional for Divine Health Prescription for a Miracle, Mark Brazee, 1999