January 18, 2020: SOAP #3698:  Genesis 44-46; Luke 18

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 18:35 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.

Observation:  Surely the blind man had heard many people passing by and talking about Jesus.  His miracles were amazing.  He had probably heard about blind people receiving their sight.  He probably had wondered if Jesus would ever pass by his location.

And here it was.  Here was his opportunity.  Jesus was passing his way.  He would get the attention of Jesus.  He would be heard!  When people who were able to see—when they saw the commotion this blind man was causing, they tried to calm him down.  They tried to make him be quiet.  He was becoming a distraction.  But he was the one who was blind!  They could not understand his desperation!

Application:  There have been a few times in my life where I have called out to the Lord in desperation.  Like Jacob of old (Genesis 32:25), I was not going to let God get away without answering me.  And like, in verse 43 above, for the blind man, He answered!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, in this world there are many things about which I should be desperate.  They are things that only you can fix!  You are the ONLY answer!  There is no other! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!