Morning Musing: I am Willing

I’ve been drawn to Jesus. In fact, recently, I’ve been drawn back to the Gospels and have been reading through Matthew. Something popped today. I noticed people went to Jesus,that is, they approached Him. They sought Him out. More so, they asked Jesus specifically what they wanted Him to do for them. Usually it was some sort of healing they desired, but there were other things they desired too. There’s a story I read today that caused me to pause and ponder how I respond.

One day when Jesus came down from a mountainside, a man with leprosy approached him and said something profound. “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Do you know what Jesus said to this sick man who risked being shunned? Jesus said, “I am willing.”

Jesus reached out right then and there, touched the man and he was cured.

“I am willing.”

That was Jesus’ immediate response, without reluctance. Then He did it. Jesus had the choice to not, but He voluntarily made the man clean. He was prompt in both His response and follow-through.

I got to thinking, is that how I respond to Jesus when He approaches me with things He wants of me?

Am I willing to do the things Jesus asks of me?

• “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1).
• “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).
• “Be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
• “Be alert and self-controlled” (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
• “Be joyful always” ((1 Thessalonians 5:16).
• “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).
• “Do not grumble” (I Corinthians10:10).

These are just a few things that God asks of us. Are we willing? Do we have the desire, the willingness to do what He asks of us? More so, do we act promptly when He asks us?

We have much to ponder about our willingness. If we desire to be like Jesus, I’m coming to the conclusion from reading about how Jesus responded that we need to respond just like Jesus and say, “I am willing.”

Scripture:
Matthew 8:1-3 – When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.