LUKE 5:12-16 "IF THOU WILT" The words of Peter who had been "astonished" to the extent of not even moving, is the confession of a sinner who sees himself as he really is perhaps for the first time. But the words of the Lord Jesus. "Fear not," is like the consolation of saints when confronted with something far beyond our comprehension. The Lord Jesus Christ followed this comment with the commission to the soul-winner, that men were now the prize of his calling, not fish.
As Luke unfolds the Person and work of the Perfect Man, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he tells what catching men means. Beginning with the well-known problem of leprosy and the physical and social ramifications of the disease at that time and place. The new follower-learners were introduced to what catching men really means. They are not to remain aloof from those whose need is the greatest. To God every person is precious in His sight. The leper had no doubt as to the Lord's ability to heal him. His question was as to the Lord's willingness to heal him. He was an outcast whose leprosy had passed the contagious stage to where he was "full of leprosy." The mercy of a sovereign God extends to "whosoever will may come." This man knew his own condition. He knew the power and authority of the Lord. From his prostrate position he admitted his only hope was in the Lord.
When carrying out the commission of the Lord to catch men, every true disciple has to look for evidence of reality in those who come for salvation. "A broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou will not despise." Words alone can sometimes deceive us but there is a certain attitude that accompanies faith that cannot be hidden. In the eyes of a seeker there is an awareness of doubt or faith that is usually evident. In the tone of voice there is sincerity or deception. In body language there is an expectation or a holding back. This leper, "seeing Jesus," "fell on his face" and "besought Him." There was no skepticism on his part, no insincerity, no misunderstanding in relation to his heart-felt need and desire.
The words of consolation from the Lord, "I will, be thou clean," and the simultaneous touch of His hand and
His words was the divine response to the leper's faith. When the Lord Jesus knew the reality of a person's words, and the innermost desire of their heart, He did not delay in meeting the need as He saw fit. The same holds true for those who are seeking salvation today. Gradual results that people think are the process of being saved, really is the awakening of conscience that leads one, first to repentance toward God, and then faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is not a process. Saving faith is a whole-hearted trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. When that faith is placed in Him and Him alone, a seeking sinner is saved. It is the responsibility of those who are sent to "catch men" to make sure the work of grace is not short-circuited by putting words in the seeker's mouth nor by-passing the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. When the honest seeker has understood his need and what he is before God, then the entrance of God's Word gives light.
The application of the scriptures of truth to the need of the individual is what will bring the light of God's truth to the darkened soul and dead spirit of sinners. To read the Word of God for themselves will help them to realize it is God who they are dealing with and it is God who has the solution to their sin problem.
It is always an important part of the lives of those who are sent to catch men, that they take the necessary time to withdraw themselves to pray and connect meaningfully with God. The Lord's time in the wilderness was a time of communion and worship of divine Persons. That time spent with His Father would have been most welcome to both of them. Any time spent in communion with God has very positive benefits as we review the past work we have been involved in with the Lord. Thankfulness and fellowship are part of communion and worship. The time spent in prayer also enables us to get God's perspective on the work ahead of us. It is much easier to move ahead in faith when our communion with God has given us confidence that His will is being done and He is in control of any enterprise He sends us to engage in whether it be difficult or enjoyable. There are those things in life that in themselves bring fear. And we wonder if we are able until we remember God is near. He does not change us with a work beyond out ability to do. His presence and His power are what bring us safely through.
Sometimes what is before us is way outside our comfort zone. And when we look for help, we find we are left alone To make a decision and act on what others may think is wrong. Then when we act in faith, in our weakness we find God is strong.
I may never have to heal a leper, actually none have I ever seen. But that doesn't mean I won't have to go and do a work where I have never been. The willingness of the Lord to come alongside and meet every need, Is full and sufficient assurance to me, so to His biding I will take heed.
Grace and faith go together when we follow the Lord to catch men. In faith we step into the unknown, and God's grace is sufficient when He leads me to people and places His service for Him to fulfill. And when the difficulties seem great, God's grace is greater still.
Whether we are called to serve in public or some private ministry given, It is important for me to remember the commission came from the God of heaven. There may be those who don't agree and the work just don't understand. So, I will have to quietly move ahead in spite of the opinions of men.
Those are the times when communion is needed so I can again in the Lord be refreshed. Thankfulness, praise and worship of God are when I am so greatly blessed. To review what God has done and then to prepare for what lies before, Is to confidently trust Him to bring the best result out of that which is in store.
"Father, how grateful I am for the way Thou hast guided us in these past days. To be able to minister to the needs of may at once or one or two at a time has brought great blessing to me. May all of these efforts have brought glory and honor to Thee, and may it continue to do so. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."