In one of my favorite moments in all of Scripture, there is a man was desperate to get the attention of Jesus. For years this man had been stricken with blindness. His life was relegated to begging for change to survive. I’m sure he longed to see the beauty of life in all of it’s splendor. It could be assumed that he wanted to see the expressions of joy and sadness that had only been recognizable by sounds in his current reality.
Hope filled his heart when he heard about the Miracle Worker. Jesus was traveling from one city to another, so the blind beggar positioned himself alongside the road with many others that wanted to get a glimpse for themselves. As the crowd began to swell, the blind beggar cemented himself into his spot. This was his chance.
He could hear the commotion begin to escalate as Jesus approached his location. He began to call out for Jesus. “Jesus, son of David! Jesus, son of David! Have mercy on me.” The crowd was crushing in on him and he realized that his voice was getting drowned out by the crowd. His response?
He shouted louder.
This passage of Scripture is incredibly meaningful to me. Maybe it’s because there are times that I can – in my immaturity – move toward wondering if God even hears my prayers. As the all knowing, ever present God, he’s constantly aware. I know this. But that can be hard to remember when I’m disappointed, hurting or confused.
I love this passage of Scripture because it’s full of passion, resolve and determination. The blind beggar knew that Jesus was the only one that could turn his situation and grant him the miracle he needed. So he did what all of us should do:
He shouted louder. He pressed in harder. He placed is focus solely on Jesus.
When I am disappointed, hurting or confused, I like to think of the blind beggar that screamed at the top of his lungs for Jesus. I am aware that not only does Jesus hear every whisper of my life, he knows my thoughts and cares deeply. Shouting louder isn’t for Jesus, it’s for me.
Think Jesus can’t hear you? Shout louder. Press in harder. Place your focus solely on Jesus. Your miracle may be found on the other side of your passion, resolve and determination.
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Luke 18:35-43
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As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
