Move

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference – Luke 17:14

The ministry of Jesus Christ was about touch.  He touched people deeply by his words and his actions. He touched people with his hands and they were healed.  He also allowed people to touch him. He was touchable to all people without distinction.  Regardless of race, age, criminal background, gender, orientation, educational level, socio-economic status, family dynamic, religious affiliation or any other aspect of their personhood, Jesus Christ was available to meet the diverse needs of the people.

During biblical times, leprosy was considered a highly contagious and incurable disease.  People with leprosy were quarantined and forced to live in colonies with other people who had the same physical challenge.  They were isolated from their families and friends and were ostracized, regarded as outcasts. They were the untouchables.

The only way for those with leprosy to be reintroduced to society was through a priest’s declaration that that they were healed.  Jesus Christ challenged the ten men with this condition to show themselves to the priest.  As they moved in faith and obedience to his words, they discovered that they were healed of a seeming incurable condition.

One Chinese proverb is that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.  As we move towards our goals, we will see our good manifested in ways that we thought unimaginable.  If we make one step, then God will make the next two steps for us.

In order to be physically fit, we must keep moving.  Every chance we get, we must move. It is important for us to find creative ways to move at work, at school and at church.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.