Do You Know What You Want?
Good Morning Friends,
The jostling for position and power can prompt some to explore bad theology. The problem is that we do not have sufficient real opportunities for discussions of scripture as iron sharping iron. People shout positions dulling the opportunity for real dialogue. People need new tools but are not trained in how to use them. Political correctness and cultural barriers have essentially precluded the active participation in public discourse of a nature with people who care enough to seek to understand more than to be understood. Unfortunately, life is not fair and power corrupts. People are blind including religious leaders. It is easy to become cynical even for those who care. Perhaps we need to continue to change our ways as a culture and as a church. It has prompted some to seek a new reformation of sorts that responds to what we really need. But, Do You Know What You Want?
Scripture: As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.
Luke 18:35-43 (NRSV)
Message: It is remarkable that people think their spiritual needs are secret. We may be unclear as to what others see. Over time our spiritual needs become palpable and clearer. You see, the physical need of the blind man was observable and his spiritual need was not as hidden as we might think. When Jesus asked what the blind man needed, it was not because Jesus did not know. There is a divine process at play here in the story. First there is something important to admitting our need. Humbling ourselves to God and realizing we need Him. We need to admit we are not infallible, but rather fragile. God wants to hear our need and implores us to ask. But asking is not enough. The blind man had to ask but also had to have faith in a response. If we learn to live by faith, then God will be served. If we live by human logic, then only man will be served. We need to cry out to God to open our eyes to the truth of the Gospel. But we must want the truth too. So today we have read just a few verses of another life changing transformation. The encouraging part of the story is that it can happen for us as well if we glorify God.
Pray we begin to see the possibilities. Pray we believe in miracles. Pray we have enough faith to ask for help. Pray we believe that God is willing, able and ready to transform us. Pray we understand that to glorify God we must follow the Spirit. Pray we see, in the divine order of things, that our needs are met for God’s glory. Pray to the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom. Pray we be a people of faith. Pray we draw closer to God. Pray we find ways to both assert ourselves and also belong. Pray we are preserved until the great harvest when Jesus comes to collect His Church.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 