Able and Willing

Today’s key verse is taken from the daily Bible reading plan at BibleInAYearOnline.com

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ - Mark 1:41 (NIV)

Throughout the Old Testament, we read of a Holy and Righteous God, one who judged sin swiftly and without mercy. In the Book of Numbers, for example, Israel’s grumbling and complaints were met with God's wrath. For centuries, mankind knew a God who was just and holy, but also distant and difficult to approach.

But when John the Baptist came preaching about the “Kingdom of God,” a new message began to take shape, a message of grace, mercy, and undeserved favor. Jesus, the King of this Kingdom, would demonstrate what this new way of life looked like. The Kingdom of God wasn’t about earning favor through works or sacrifices, but about receiving God’s goodness despite our shortcomings.

Jesus' ministry was filled with demonstrations of this Kingdom. Everywhere He went, He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and even touched the untouchable. The crowds marveled at His power, but Jesus didn’t just show that God was able, He also showed that God was willing. Jesus, moved with compassion, reached out to those who had no hope, and He declared, “I am willing.”

In this age of grace, which began with Jesus and continues today, these two truths still hold: God is able and God is willing. He hasn’t changed. His love for us is constant, and His power is never too short. In every circumstance, God can still heal, restore, and move in your life. And just as He demonstrated to the leper in Mark 1, He is still willing to act on your behalf.

Reflection Question: Is there an area in your life where you need to trust both God’s ability and willingness to work on your behalf?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for demonstrating both Your ability and Your willingness to heal, restore, and bless us. Help me to trust in Your grace and power today, knowing that You are always able and always willing. In Jesus name, Amen.