Part 1 of this series looked at the characteristics of a person who receives restoration.  This post will examine the characteristics of the One who brings the restoration.  The leper came to Jesus and said to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”  Let’s examine Jesus’ response:

 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

The first characteristic we see is compassion.  The word used for “compassion” refers to being moved in one’s innermost being.  A heart of compassion often leads to action.  Jesus genuinely cared for this person.  One of Satan’s tactics is to make you think God doesn’t care about you.  He’s the accuser of the brethren and he will make you think that you’re not worthy of God’s love and grace.  Have you been listening to the lies of the enemy and feel reluctant to come to Him?  Realize that He is concerned about you.

Secondly, we see that Jesus stretched out His hand – He was going to do the unthinkable!  I’m sure the people who were watching were quite shocked.  Jesus does not always act the way we think He should.  We can be prone to put God into a box so that He will fit our theological presuppositions.  God will not be put into a box!  Isaiah 55:8-9 states, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.”  God works in ways that we cannot imagine!

Thirdly, Jesus touched him – this is amazing!  Remember that this guy was untouchable, it may have been years since someone has touched him.  We must realize the incredible healing power, not only physically but also emotionally, of touch.

Finally, Jesus said, “I am willing; be cleansed.”  Jesus did what was humanly impossible for this man and graciously granted his request.  Are you facing an impossible situation in your life?  Perhaps it’s a situation that you’ve been trying to overcome in your own strength.  Take the initiative and come to Jesus, earnestly beseech him, demonstrate humility by trusting in Him, and make your request.  Life is short – make it amazing by finding restoration in Him!