Prodigal Magazine

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Mark 1:40 – 41…..A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”

I find myself often speaking to Him in the imperative when I pray:

“Lord, help me.”

“Lord, make this right.”

“Lord, forgive me.”

As I filter these requests through the leper’s approach, they suddenly sound more like commands to me. I wonder how they feel to Jesus?

These words come from years of familiarity with Jesus. Familiarity is supposed to be a good thing. It should feel like a great shirt that you would never get rid of, even though it has holes in it and the color faded about a thousand washes ago.  I’ve known Him since childhood. But the problem begins when my reliance upon Him degenerates to a degree of expectation.

In a new relationship you don’t know what to expect. So, everything comes as a request. Would you like to go to a concert? Can we have a cup of coffee? Will you talk a walk with me? The sense that your new friend exists as an autonomous creature sits strong with you.

In time, we tend to allow this “newness” to wear off and, without realizing it, become obligatory in our approach.

A growing relationship can grind to a standstill when you become too familiar. People like being new. They want to receive an invitation, not a list of requirements.

The Gospels tell stories that show this dynamic between Jesus and His disciples. He would say something and their response, though innocent, came across as rude, abrasive, and commanding.

Jesus told them once that He would be persecuted soon and then die. Peter responded, “Not if I can help it.” To which Jesus snapped back, “Get behind me, Satan!” Ouch.

Jesus understood where Peter’s words had come from. He knew that Peter loved Him deeply. He heard the fear and dependence in what Peter had said. So, why did He give such a sharp reply?

Maybe he said it to dislodge Peter out of over-familiarity with Him. Of course, Peter would never have expected the Lord to call him an adversary. Jesus was showing Peter by his command how Peter had sounded to Him.

That’s why it’s so sweet when this leper comes to Him with no expectations. He knows Jesus has the ability to chase away this disease forever, but he knows better than to demand a cure. You can see the respect that flows through his approach.

Though Jesus knows my heart, I know I’ve been rude. I want to treat Him with the newness He deserves. I want to speak in requests and not imperatives.

How about you – have you stopped long enough to hear how you address the Lord in your prayers? Maybe you have become overly-familiar with Him?

Let Him remain new.