This week come along as we go on another journey. You get to participate by becoming a main character in the story.
Imagine you are living back in the day when Jesus was walking this earth during His three years of public ministry.
You are blind. One particular day you are sitting on the side of the road, and you hear the footsteps of a crowd walking by. There is so much noise, but your ears perk up as you hear the crowd reacting with excitement at something. You ask those nearby what is happening.
They say, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
You call out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many in the crowd who are leading you tell you to be quiet.
Such joy and excitement arise within you that you shout even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Suddenly, Jesus stops and orders the people to bring you to Him.
Jesus asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” you reply.
Jesus says to you, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
Because of your faith in Him, Jesus restores your sight, and you immediately can see clearly.
You start following Jesus, as you praise God. When all those in the crowd see the miracle of you receiving your sight, they also start praising God!
–Based on Luke 18:35-43 (NIV)
Can you say in your life, as when you were the blind man in the story, that the same points are true?
–You have heard about Jesus of Nazareth.
Do you truly KNOW Jesus of Nazareth in your heart? Does He fill that void in your heart, or are you still chasing after “worldly” things to fill it?
–Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of David, the one who can show you mercy?
Is your relationship with Jesus one where you know, without a doubt, He is the true King? The Son of David was a Messianic title, which meant He was the long-awaited Deliverer, the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Have you experienced the richness of His mercy in your daily life?
–Do you have “fire in your bones” like the blind man?
Is knowing Jesus in your heart so strong that the excitement and joy you experience and see in your life can’t help but be shared with others? Is it so deep within you that nothing can stop you from sharing Him?
–Do you know the depth of Jesus’ great love and care for you, His precious child, in your life?
Jesus loves you personally so very much. He takes the time to stop and show His care and concern for you whenever you cry out to Him.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Johnson Cherian under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
–Do you hear Jesus ask you what He can do for you?
Jesus wants to know the deep recesses of your heart. What can Jesus do for you? What is your heart’s desire? Be encouraged to share it with Jesus!
–How much faith do you have in Jesus?
Your faith in Jesus, believing in what we cannot always see, is what Jesus can use to heal you.
–Do you see how Jesus immediately responds to your requests?
Even if you don’t get the specific answer you want, do you experience His peace, mercy, and love immediately when you call out to Him?
–Do you follow Jesus, praising God as you go about your day?
Does it encourage you to follow God and praise Him, knowing the depth of Jesus’ love and how gracious He is in your life?
This week may you be encouraged to live more like that blind man…
…Calling out to Jesus for His mercy.
…Sharing the excitement and joy of Jesus with all you meet.
…Sharing with Jesus what you want Him to do for you.
…Sharing your heart’s desire with Jesus.
…Looking for the miracles in your life.
…Following Jesus and praising God for His goodness.
May your heart’s desire be to SEE Jesus with the eyes of your heart in every moment~
But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! –Jeremiah 20:9 (NLT)
I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people. –Ephesians 1:18 (GNT)
