Monday 10 September, 2012

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

The blind man heard a commotion around him and knew something big was happening but he didn't understand it. So he asked, “What's happening?”

Sometimes in the confusion of life we too can wonder “What's happening to me?… What's going on here?”

I really like the blind man's response to the situation – he basically yells out “God, help me!!”

As we see here in Jesus's response, this is a cry that God likes to hear. Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Sometimes, I find that I am actually afraid to tell God exactly what I want Him to do

for me. Maybe it's because it feels too selfish or bold to ask Him for something. Or maybe it's because I'm afraid that He won't answer the way I want Him to and then I'll be disappointed.

As we see here, Jesus liked the man's boldness and his faith, and was pleased to answer his request. Sometimes, we don't have something because we don't ask.

Help me Lord, to openly, honestly and boldly bring my requests to You. Thank you that You are always willing to hear and respond to our faith filled cry.

Written by Shelley Witt