When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word,
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will He abides with us still,
And with all
Who will trust and obey.
I think of this hymn whenever I read Mark’s “healing of the leper” story (Mark 1:40ff).
For thirty-nine verses Mark proclaims the authority and divinity of Jesus. Even the demons understand who he is and are respectful of his directions.
And then there’s the leper.
He comes to Jesus with great faith. “If you are willing you can make me clean” he says. He isn’t sure Jesus will, but he knows Jesus can. And so in faith he yields himself to Christ’s decision and of course, Jesus heals him.
Then, Jesus tells him to keep the story to himself. Amazingly, he doesn’t, and he becomes (in Mark) the first in a line of people who profess faith in the Christ, but cannot bring themselves to the greatest expression of faith – obedience.
The abiding blessing of Jesus belongs to those who meld faith and obedience, and only they become true disciples.