I’ve read the passage in Mark countless times and I have to admit, I’ve always glossed over his action as both understandable and “no big deal.” In truth, I’m like him—I can think of times when God has brought His word to mind and I liked my idea better. I’m reminded again of how important obedience is. What God says I should do—I should do.
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged Him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Mark 1:40) Jesus was filled with compassion and touched the leper—healing him. Then He did a curious thing. He strongly warned the man not to tell anyone but to go and show himself to a priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded regarding cleansing. Jesus told him this would be a testimony to them (the priests and fellow Jews).
Mark goes on to write, “Instead he went out and began to talk freely spreading the news” (1:45). The word “instead” ought to get our attention. It is the precursor of disobedience and a signal that God’s instruction is about to be waylaid. This man undoubtedly thought, “Whoooowee! I’m not a leper anymore. Jesus is awesome! Of course I’m going to tell people what happened—He deserves to get the credit. I’ll help Him since He just powerfully helped me!” We sympathetically agree and cannot help but understand why he would trumpet the unbelievable news—“I’m healed!”
That “harmless” broadcasting severely crimped Jesus’ ministry. As a result of all the commotion, Jesus could not enter a town openly. He had to stay outside in lonely places (1:45). Hmmm. I wonder how many times I’ve left the Savior lonely because I chose celebration when He wanted silence. I wonder how many times I’ve pushed my agenda because it seemed “right”—resisting the Holy Spirit’s leading. I wonder how many victories I might have experienced if I had just listened and obeyed. If Jesus possesses the power to make me clean, what gives me the right to ever ignore His guidance? The bath of grace is so luxurious it’s easy to spurn the soap of discipline.
Meditation
Hebrews 12:25—See to it that you do not refuse Him Who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him Who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him Who warns us from heaven?
Inspiration
We get wrong when we think of the afterwards; the purpose of God is our obedience. —Oswald Chambers in God’s Workmanship
There exists a subtle form of rebellion that argues that if I am truly loved by God I can disobey him, especially if there is lacking any objective evidence that it causes harm.—Walter Henrichsen in Thoughts From The Diary Of A Desperate Man
