S – While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 

¹³ Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him.

Luke 5:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary:

• haptŏmai, to attach oneself to, i.e. to touch — touch.

           The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words

• covered with leprosy (lit., “full of leprosy”). Perhaps he was in the final stages of leprosy—a fact that would have been easily discernible in the man’s home community. The Law (Lev. 13) commanded strict segregation of a person who had leprosy, for it was a graphic picture of uncleanness. A leprous person could not worship at the central sanctuary; he was ceremonially unclean and therefore cut off completely from the community.

             “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

  *  Recognizing that this man for some time in his life was shunned from society.  He wasn’t allowed in the sanctuary, to be in groups of people or even in close proximity to a person.  Jesus not only “touched” him, but Jesus “attached” himself to him.  It was more than a glancing touch of an extended finger.  Maybe it was a firm grasp on the shoulder or a hug.  The person who knew no contact for so long was given the embrace of His Messiah.

A – God isn’t a mere “touch” in our lives.  He wants attachment.  He wants a relationship.  He desires to bring the person close who is far removed from the community.  Sometimes, that is physical distance.  Other times, it is the mental or social distance that we impose on ourselves. The key is for us to approach God with the desire to “close the gap” between us.

R – Lord, help me to be aware of the times I pull away from being close to you.  Do not let my thoughts, emotions or circumstances cause distance to form between us.  Let me “attach” myself to you today.