Skip to main content

From Chaos to Christ

From the CodexAureus Cleansing of the ten lepers

 
"Then he said to him,
 “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”



The Chaos

Chaos describes a leper’s life.

Lepers, according to Leviticus 13.45-46, were forced to live as roadside beggars with cover their mouths crying out, "Unclean! “Unclean” a warning to others.

This left Lepers feeling the emotional pain of separation and isolation caused by living apart.

The Calling

Fear and shame burdened them since Leprosy was seen as God’s punishment for serious sin.

The only way out of this exile was healing and confirmation by a priest, which was considered as difficult as raising the dead.

It’s no wonder that when Jesus approached, the lepers cry out: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Jesus instructs them to visit the priests, and while obeying, their leprosy is cured.

One leper returns, loudly praising God at Jesus's feet leading to a changed behavior and greater spiritual well-being.

This leper, returning to thank Jesus, is an outward act of profound faith.

Christ’s New Era

The new era Christ ushered in, shown by Jesus's power over what was seen as God’s punishment, is marked by healing, restoration, and acceptance, replacing generations of shame and isolation like that endured by lepers.

Giving thanks in Christ’s new era, brings hope, inclusion, and spiritual renewal to those who were sidelined.

Christ’s new area is about God’s grace for all.

Jesus compassionate intervention shows a significant shift, reflecting a message of hope because God's grace goes beyond social and ethnic barriers.

Christ’s new era changes life.

Giving thanks leads to a continuous relationship with God and changes how we live, showing that faith is about gratitude, not just seeking help.

Acknowledging God as the giver of all gifts and practicing gratitude can deepen well-being and strengthen your relationship with God.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Every Christian's Journey

"When he was at the table with them,  he took bread, blessed and broke it,  and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened,  and they recognized him." Luke 24:31,32a To me there there all kinds of road trips. They all have similarities such as destinations and travel experiences. Years ago Elaine and I took a camping trip out West. We drove Utah's Route 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This part of the road trip meant enjoying God's beautiful creation. One of the experiences we still laugh about was the constant daily lunch menu of PB&J sandwiches. Luke's major theme is traveling the Way. In the gospel, Jesus travel TO Jerusalem. In Luke's Acts, the disciples travel FROM Jerusalem proclaiming the Word Empowered by the Spirit. On the Emmaus road trip from Jerusalem, two disciples, probably Cleopas and his wife, experience a stranger's presence. The stranger reveals himself as Jesus by explaining what was said about him in the ...

Traveling by Faith

 Now faith is the assurance  of things hoped for,  the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 No, I'm not still stuck on I-81 hoping to be on my way as soon as possible. A tow truck big enough to haul a tractor-trailer rushed past on the shoulder followed by a VDot pick-up. I had faith that somehow the road would be cleared or traffic detoured around the crash. Slowly, we came to an off ramp, were directed up it, across a main street and down a ramp onto I-81. We we on the road again. This, of course, is a shallow understanding of Hebrews 11:1.  For me, hope is in found in God's Word as I look at what is, could be, and should be as I head toward the "Highway of Holiness" to be among the righteous who walk on it. The author of Hebrews describes faith as assurance and conviction. Faith is trusting God. For example: By faith Abraham, was called to go somewhere to receive his inheritance. He obeyed and went, not knowing the destination. Faith is walking with ...

Hope in Unexpected Twists and Turns

Hawk's Nest Overview "  Now on that same day  two of disciples were going to a  village called Emmaus,  about seven miles [  from Jerusalem,  and talking with each other  about all these things that had h9appened."  (from   Luke 24:13-35 ) The Hawk’s Nest is a scenic, cliff-hanging stretch of NY State Route 97 offering dramatic views of the Delaware River.   Originally a one-lane dirt road built in 1859, it is known for bald eagle sighting, scenic overlook, and its twists and turns.   "Just as the Hawk’s Nest Road winds unpredictably, so too do our days.   For example, one day started off unpredictably, with the electrician arriving at 7:30, followed by the plumber at 8:30, and then a sincere thank you note delivered in person at 9.   "Our current polarized society creates complex, unexpected twists and turns that are difficult to navigate." The Emmaus Road story is one of hope in times of twists and tu...