486. MAT 8:3. SIN THE LEPROSY OF THE SOUL

Mat_8:3. Sin The Leprosy Of The Soul

"And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."’97Mat_8:3.

One of the results of sin is the fearful catalogue of bodily diseases which it has introduced. Man was formed free from affliction, sorrow, and pain; neither was he liable to death. But sin has filled the world with disease and misery. Hence,

"Fierce diseases wait around,

To hurry mortals home."

Every part of the body is alike vulnerable, alike in danger, alike susceptible of affliction and agony. Some are tedious in their progress, and men groan beneath them for years. Others are rapid in their course, and speedily cast their victims into the gloomy grave. Some are curable, while others defy the physician’s skill and power. During Christ’s mission on earth, he employed his benevolent power in healing the diseases both of body and mind. Our text refers to one delightful instance, to which we invite your attention on the present occasion. Consider,

I. The Individual referred to.

"A leper." Perhaps no condition was more truly awful and distressing. Leprosy was common in Palestine, and is so still in various parts of the east. At present we shall consider it as exhibiting a striking representation of sin, the leprosy of the soul. Now the leprosy,

1. Was generally hereditary.

Thus from Adam and Eve, sin has spread into every country, and down through every generation. Men are not only born under the effects of the guilt of sin, but under its depraving and defiling power.

2. It was small in its first appearance.

A small spot on the countenance, of an inflamed red character, was the first sign. Those unacquainted with it might suspect no danger. Now sin is little in its beginning. Look at children in their tempers, &c. Look at individuals who at one period were amiable, and then became thoroughly vile.

3. It is deeply seated and inveterate in its nature.

The heart and blood are under its influence So with sin;’97the heart is the seat, he soul is the spring and root of all the evil.

4. It is universal in its prevalence.

All the man affected. From the head through all the extremities. No part of a leper clean. So with sin and the sinner,’97"the whole head," &c. All the faculties of the soul. All the senses of the body, &c.

5. It is very loathsome in its appearance.

The eyes and countenance assumed a horrid and disgusting appearance; painful; and it rendered the person a burden to himself, and life itself a curse; such also is sin,’97it renders man abominable to God and holy angels, and fills him with anguish and misery.

6. It excluded from society and rendered them objects of terror to all around.

However close by the ties of kindredness, their breath was dreaded, it was the breath of disease, to touch them was to receive their malady. Not allowed to mix with the healthy, or to go into the congregation of the Lord. Travellers feared to meet them, &c. So sin infects and excludes from the family and presence of God.

7. It was incurable by human power, and generally produced a most awful death.

It raged until the whole person became one mass of foulness and pollution: then the vital organs being powerfully attacked death terminated the career of suffering Such, also, is the leprosy of the soul. No man can recover himself from it. No created power can restore. It never cures itself. "Sin when it is finished bringeth forth death." Such was the condition of the man who applied to Christ. Notice,

II. His Address to the Redeemer.

"Lord, if thou wilt," &c.

1. It was an address of humble respect.

"Lord." He acknowledged him as a dignified person. Received him as the Messiah, worshipped, &c.

2. It was associated with faith.

"Thou canst." Not ordinary faith. He would not have said so to any other person on earth. Christ had the power, and this was the power of God.

3. It contained an affecting appeal as to his misery, and Christ’s goodness.

"If thou wilt thou canst make me clean." Nothing so important to him as this. This was his heart’s desire. He appealed to Christ’s disposition, "If thou wilt," &c.

III. The Conduct of the Saviour.

1. Christ responded to his appeal.

And said, "I will." His love and mercy as great as his power. Christ’s willingness is established on the most immoveable truths and facts.

2. His word was omnific, and conveyed the healing power.

He might have willed it, and effected it silently, but he spake, &c.; so he did in creation, so in all his miracles. At the grave of Lazarus,’97to the devils who possessed the demoniac,’97to the raging sea, &c.

3. He put forth his hand to testify to his cleanness.

A touch would infect, and in any case ceremonially defile, but Jesus now touched him, to show that the foul disease was gone. What a cure!’97how complete!’97how instantaneous!’97how free!’97how precious!

4. He sent him to the priest that his recovery might be duly attested.

The priest was appointed of God to testify when a person was cleansed and fit for society. Now this case might have been disputed, &c. He was to go at once, for fear the priest might hear, and through prejudice refuse to attest &c.

5. He was to present a gift unto the Lord.

See Lev_14:10, and if poor, 5:21. Now Christ enforced this to show that he came to fulfil the law, &c. And to elicit a grateful spirit from the leper. Now let one turn to the leprous sinner.

(1) See how you are to obtain healing and purity. From Christ. By personal, humble, and believing application to him.

(2) See the way;n which Christ will receive you. He will freely and graciously deliver. He desires to do this, &c. He can do it now, &c.

(3) See what Christ expects from those he has healed. Dedication of yourselves and all you have to the Lord.

Application

1. Bless God for health of body.

2. Especially be anxious for health of soul.

3. Praise God for the almighty Saviour, and the means of spiritual health and felicity.

4. We now invite all to be healed.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS