Mattthew 8:1-3 When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.' He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I do choose. Be made clean!' Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Of all the healing stories in the gospels, this one has always struck me as particularly interesting. I think it's because of the way that the leper asks the question - IF you choose, you can make me clean. I don't know if it's just politeness or what, but it strikes me that he makes it about Jesus' choice - I know you can, but you can heal me IF you choose.
Tied closely to that is Jesus' response: I DO CHOOSE. I choose to heal you. I choose to make you clean. I choose to be in a relationship of life and wholeness with you. I choose you. Hear those words spoken to you today - Jesus says "I DO CHOOSE."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend - Saturday at 5 pm or Sunday at 9 am. We'll be blessing backpacks at both services as students and teachers prepare to return to school. Bring your backpacks! Visit us at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org | 
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