In Mark 1:40-45 we see that Jesus can bring restoration to one who comes to Him in faith.  A leper came to Jesus believing that He could heal him and Jesus graciously reached out and touched him and we read, “Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed” (Mark 1:42).  Now you most likely do not have leprosy but you are still in need of restoration because all of us have been polluted by sin.  Either we have been sinned against and are carrying the hurt from other’s injustice against us or we have sinned and we are burdened by guilt.

If the hurt that we’ve suffered and our guilt are not resolved they can result in a variety of negative consequences.  We may experience shame which is essentially a fear of being unlovable.  Shame can lead to blame, fear, anger, and, in an attempt to suppress our negative feelings, denial.  As you come to Jesus in a spirit of desperation and humility, just like the leper, you can experience His touch of restoration.  He can resolve the hurts in your life and take away the burden of guilt as Paul testified in Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When you experience His healing touch of restoration people will take note.  Although Jesus warned the leper not to tell anyone he could not contain his enthusiasm.  He had experienced the cleansing touch from the Master’s hand.  When you experience restoration the change is evident!  Don’t be too hard on the leper for ignoring the Lord’s command.  Jesus told him not to tell anyone and he told everyone – He tells us to go and tell everyone and too often we tell no one.  Who is more disobedient?  Perhaps your reticence is because you need a fresh touch from the Master’s hand.  Come to Jesus – He’s waiting for you (Matthew 11:28)!