Mercy in the Meantime

In the meantime …

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem. In the midst of His journey—as He came through a village on the way, He heard a group of lepers crying out to Him from a distance. Why not?! What did they have to lose? Perhaps they saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snag some mercy for their plight—on the fly. Luke doesn’t tell us that Jesus stopped, touched them, or even broke His stride. It simply says that when He saw the lepers, He said, “Go. Show yourselves to the priest.” In other words, “Go get your life back.” And they went. Their banishment was over. It was that simple. Quick obedience brought a miracle that day.

We also see here an example of what it means to “SHEMA”—the Hebrew word meaning “to hear attentively, heed carefully, and obey diligently.” Without hesitation. “SHEMA, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.” (Proverbs 23:19 KJV + Hebrew added)

Jesus gave them an order—they heard, heeded, and obeyed. Period. And AS they did so, they were all cleansed of their leprosy. In the midst of their SHEMA, mercy caught up with them, and their request was granted. Not BEFORE they went—but AS they went.

Of course, we know that’s not the end of the story. Luke added a postscript by telling us that one of the lepers—just ONE out of ten—fell on his face and with a LOUD voice gave glory to GOD. Perhaps it was because he knew he was a DOUBLE outcast—a Samaritan AND a leper—that he had more reason than the others to show his exuberant appreciation. At any rate, Jesus let the other nine go unnoticed and unsung—but the ONE who was thankful got an honorable mention in Scripture … PLUS a bonus! Because of his FAITH (evidenced by his obedience AND gratitude), he received MORE than his healing. He was made WHOLE. Not just repaired, but fully RESTORED.  There’s always an added blessing for the one who is truly thankful.

“IN everything, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

IN everything. IN the meantime—not after, but IN the midst of our journey. AS we go, our modus operandi should be twofold: (1) to SHEMA (hear, heed, and obey) God’s voice; and (2) to be GRATEFUL. If we are walking in His calling and His purpose, the WILL of GOD is already working for our good, and He has everything in control.

 “For I have learned, IN whatsoever state I am, therewith to BE content.” (Philippians 4:11 KJV)

• IN the process of my pain, God is already healing.
• IN the process of my want, God is already preparing a blessing.
• IN the process of my fear, God is already making a way of rescue.
• IN the process of my sadness, God is already restoring my joy.
• IN the process of my loneliness, weakness, and confusion, God is already proving that He knows, He cares, and He is able.

God can do anything, at any time. To Him, TIME doesn’t pass—it is always NOW. He IS the I AM in the perpetual PRESENT. Our SHEMA plus GRATEFULNESS releases the mercy that He IS already preparing … IN the meantime.

Say it with me: “LORD, I HAVE the faith—YOU HAVE the power! NOTHING is impossible!’

 “Know [without any doubt] and understand that the LORD your God, He IS God, the faithful God, who IS keeping His covenant and His [steadfast] lovingkindness to a thousand generations … (Deuteronomy 7:9 AMP)

 Prayer: Dear Jesus, even when I don’t see it, You’re working—You never stop, You never stop working!  I trust YOU.