Have you ever believed God could forgive you, but wondered if He actually wanted to? Maybe you’ve made mistakes you can’t stop thinking about. Maybe something was done to you that left you feeling damaged. Or maybe there are parts of yourself you’ve spent years trying to hide because, deep down, you’re afraid that if people really knew you, they would pull away.
In this episode, Josiah walks through the story of a man with leprosy who approaches Jesus with a surprising question: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” He doesn’t doubt Jesus’ power. He doubts Jesus’ desire to come close. But while everyone else steps back from this man, Jesus reaches forward and touches him.
This conversation explores shame, the feeling of being “unclean,” why our worst moments make us distance ourselves from God and other people, and what Jesus’ response reveals about how He actually sees us. Because what if every time you come back for help, forgiveness, or healing, you are not increasing God’s frustration with you? What if you are giving Him the opportunity to do exactly what He loves to do?
If you’ve ever thought, “God may love people, but I think I’m the exception,” this one is for you.
This message draws heavily from the book, "Gentle and Lowly" by Dane C. Ortlund. We would highly recommend you check it out!