November 14, 2022
As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, . . . He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. Lk_18:35-43
Following on the heels of Saturday’s piece of Luke 18, we hear a little more today about perseverance and faith in action. Against the advice of the crowd, the blind man persisted in shouting out to Jesus, that he might heal him of his blindness. When it was done by Jesus, He was told that it was because of His FAITH that he was healed. And it IS because of our faith that we will be “saved” as well. We are called to a persistence in prayer, a persistence in faith in Jesus, and a persistence in belief that God is anxiously awaiting our return to Him – IF we don’t give up!
Finally an interesting point not to miss is the final statement. Jesus’s miracle was not performed to show His greatness, to elevate His glory in the eyes of the people, but to bring the Glory to God the Father. And it was not even an unsolicited miracle. It was, as many other examples in the Gospels show, purely based on the faith of the one asked. Don’t give up asking, beloved. Don’t give up believing. And never give up on our hope. God loves us TOO much to ever forget Him!!!
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Whispers to the Wind 