Devotional Reading from the Daily Common Lectionary: Mark 1:29-45

Text: But he (the healed leper) went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word (about the Jesus)…(v. 45a)

When was the last time that you were so excited about something or someone that you told others about it? Was it a recent movie? I told a lot of people about Wonder Woman and more recently The Big Sick. Maybe it was when you had an insight that completely changed your understanding of people or the world? I told a lot of people about “family systems”.  But, were you ever so touched by Jesus that you someone else how you are different because of Him? The thing that I’ve noticed is that most of the Jesus followers I know simply don’t tell others how Jesus changed their life. 

A few years ago I produced a short film of faith. Privately people shared moving stories of their faith journeys with me but in front of a camera they didn’t refer to their faith even once. I was disappointed. 

When I graduated from seminary the school’s president told us that God does not want “undercover disciples”. We are to be the light of the world shining forth the glow of God’s love. We are to be lamps of holy love on a light stand. 

We don’t have to pass out tracts or preach on street corners or put on false airs. We simple need to be genuine, honest, open, giving and loving. We need to touch the proverbial lepers, the untouchables of this world, for the glory of God. 

Lord, give me the courage to tell others how my life is different since You came into it. Amen.