The “If” of Man

A diseased leper who came to Christ took a great risk when he did so. Leprosy was considered contagious, and Jewish law said a leper had to stand one hundred to three hundred paces away from a clean person, depending upon the direction of the wind. On this occasion, the leper fell at Jesus’s feet and said, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean" (Luke 5:12). In response, Jesus removed the “if” and said, "I will; be clean" (Luke 5:13).

Jesus removed the “if” of doubt, and the leper was immediately made whole! The “if” of man is connected to knowing the will of God. Satan’s “if” attempts to make a person doubt the promises of God, but the human “if” begins to doubt the willingness of God to perform what He has spoken. It does little good to believe that God can if you do not believe that God will. Think for a moment. God can save the lost, but will God save your family? God can baptize believers in the Holy Spirit, but will God baptize you in the Holy Spirit? God can heal, but will God heal you? The “if” of man questions the willingness of God to perform His promises.