I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the excuses that people give for not coming to Christ.

Dude?  Do you know me?  He don’t want none of this.

I have to clean up my act first.

I can’t change the way I am.

He won’t or can’t save me.

Hell’s just a party I’m waiting to join.

What I hear and think.  Sometimes I say it too.

Dude! I do know you.  He wants you!

You’re going to shower without soap!  Jesus will take you as you are.

You’re right.  Jesus is the one who can change the way you are.

He will and can save you.  As a matter of fact He has already done the necessary work.  All you have to do is accept Him.

Oh dear one.  If you never accept Jesus.  You’ve already joined.  As with most if not all earthly things I think you’re going to be sorely disappointed.  I hope you reconsider.  I’m always here for you.

Alright Colby?  Where are you going with this?

Mark 1:39-41 CSB
[39] He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. [40] Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” [41] Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.”

This stems from a conversation I had this week.

For the person who has never accepted Christ.  He came to save everyone who would accept Him.  Everyone who would or will.  He Died and rose again defeating death paving, proving, promising the way for new life in Him.  With that new covenant, promise, contract He gives freely the gift of everlasting life with Him.  He has ascended to heaven where He sits at the right hand of God.  He’s coming back to get those who’ve accepted Him.  Hell is not a party anyone wants to be a part of.  Please accept Him today.  He is willing.  You can be made clean.

To the Christian.  The one who has accepted His free gift of Grace.  How often do we feel dirty, incompetent, unworthy.  The leper felt like that I’m sure.  He ran to Jesus fell on his knees and said “Lord!  If you are willing?”. He had no reason to even consider the possibility that Jesus was willing, except what he knew of the Messiah.  That the Messiah would come to save.  Now he was sure that that promise was fulfilled.   Jesus fulfilling that promise said “I Am willing.”

John 1:1-2 CSB
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.

Colossians 1:15 CSB
[15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Jesus is the same now as He was then and the same as He always will be.  He is God!

If you feel dirty, incompetent, unworthy.  Do you think Jesus answer will be different for you?  It never has been before.

HE IS WILLING!  Be made clean.

Love in Christ,

Colby