What Are We Begging For?

“As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.  And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’  And he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’  And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’  And Jesus stopped and commanded him 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 recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.” Luke 18:35-43

Day in, day out, the blind man knew what he has always known, and did what he had always done. He could not see, therefore could not work, and begged by the side of the road for offerings so he could subsist in his status quo. But when the Son of David came, all that changed. He had heard stories about this man’s ability to heal. He called out not for temporary sustenance, but for mercy. When Jesus stopped and inquired, believing He cared about his condition, the man asked for permanent sight. Jesus restored his sight and commended his faith, and he rose, scrambled onto the road to follow his Savior and glorify the mighty God who had healed him.

In busy days and seasons when pressures mount, urgent situations seem to call for immediate solutions. We often settle for quick fixes without understanding the underlying cause of a problem, which would help to solve it long term. A bandage might help sooth temporarily, but will not heal a wound. Tending only to superficial needs blinds us to the deeper needs the Lord came to address.

How often do we seek out or settle for remedies that do not actually repair issues at hand? Do we complain of inconvenience, and beg to be relieved of irritation or demands, failing to see the root of discontent, envy, or selfishness in our souls? A cursory understanding, fear, or even cowardice can prevent our digging deeper and seeking the Lord Himself to act.

No quick fixes repair broken relationships, disordered affections, or lack of faith. No Spiritual rebellion, callousness, malaise, or blindness need be smoothed over or coddled, but broken open, addressed, and healed. How honest are we about what we really want God to do for us? If willing to acknowledge and ask, are we as willing to see and behave in new light? Would we call out for the mercy of Christ to work from the inside out to remove blind spots and restore vision for what could be when redeemed by Him?

When we grasp through faith who Jesus is and what He offers, we’ll begin to seek deeper, more lasting healing and wholeness. We can ask great things from this great King!

Lord, help me to see with faith all You have for me and delight to supply, and to depend on and glorify You for Your measureless mercies.