Bruce Collins, Evangelist

The personal website of Bruce Collins

True Valentine’s Day Present

 
And said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.(Mark 1:44-45 NKJV)
 
Unclean, Unclean
Here was a man who had just been cleansed of his leprosy. He should never have approached the Lord. He should have had his hand over his upper lip crying “Unclean, unclean!” He was contagious and he was supposed to avoid social contact,  However, instead of criticizing him, the Lord healed him, a true act of grace.  I suspect this leper had already come to the conclusion that the Lord could and would heal him or he wouldn’t have been so bold about approaching the Lord.  He very likely had come to faith before he was healed, but if he hadn’t, he surely proved that he believed in the Lord after he was healed.
 
He Couldn’t stay Silent
He was supposed to show himself to the priest who would formally confirm his cleansing.  But he knew he was healed immediately.  And it appears to me he could not contain himself but began immediately spreading the word that the Lord could heal.  I suspect the Lord knew that he had given him an impossible assignment.  This leper had found one who could cure leprosy and he wanted everyone to know that he had found the cure.  
 
Application
Now, if we are truly saved, we too have found the solution to leprosy and our leprosy is called sin.  I have found that the newly saved seem to be much more bold than the people who have been saved for a while when it comes to telling others about the cure.  However, if you really have Valentines that you love who are not saved, this is the best Valentine’s day present you can give them.  Tell them about the solution for sin.  Tell them about the sinner’s substitute.  Tell them about the Lord.  Tell them that He is willing to save all who come to Him by faith.
 
The hymn writer says this so eloquently:
 
If I could only tell him as I know him,
My Redeemer who has brightened all my way;
If I could tell how precious is his presence,
I am sure that you would make him yours today.
 
Refrain:
Could I tell it, could I tell it,
How the sunshine of his presence lights my way,
I would tell it, I would tell it,
And I’m sure that you would make him yours today.
 
But I can never tell him as I know him;
Human tongue can never tell all love divine;
I only can entreat you to accept Him;
You can know Him only when you make him thine. [Refrain]
 
Bruce Collins
 
Meditation for the week of February 14, 2021

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