"Your Faith Has Healed You"

"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging." (Lk 18:35)

So many times I've been in the same situation as this blind beggar. Although there is nothing wrong with my eyes or my sight and I have never begged for money on the streets, I have been disconnected from my vision and been in situations where I would find myself no longer on the path of truth, but on the roadside, in despair, living off scraps on the floor.

You may be all dressed up and looking all fine, but deep inside you may be feeling like this blind beggar: hopeless, in agony and despair. You can fool people, but the truth remains. The only one you would be fooling is yourself when you live in denial of the truth.

It is amazing how Jesus, the living Word of God, always passes by such people. And how gracious it is of Him to pass by every man and give equal opportunity to all. God has made Him available for the rich and the poor, for the peasant and for royalty alike. He is the king of all. The question is: Are you yearning? Are you seeking? Are you honest? Do you notice?

"When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”" (Lk 18:36-37)

Often it is not Jesus in person whom you have an encounter with. Many times, it is a believer, a follower of Jesus, a church, or some church event happening in your town. It is a sound,  a crowd, a  movement and then the testimony of Jesus that reach you first.

"He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”" (Lk 18:38)

Don't let Jesus pass you by. Call out His name. He is full of mercy. Believe in His love and compassion. Seek Him with all your might! He heals. He saves. He delivers and sets all captives free! He is the restorer of our sight and the One who anoints us for ministry. He gives us a vision and a heart to worship Him.

"Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet" (Lk 18:39a)

Jesus is represented on earth by His Church. He is represented by disciples, by people who are still learning, by people who may have many flaws. By people who do not yet understand His great love and mercy. Everyone follows Jesus for a reason. Many seek their needs and have not yet seen Him in His grace and splendor.

"but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”" (Lk 18:39b)

So many give up. So many find themselves before closed doors. When you have nothing left, no money, no power, no health, no vision, no dignity... you still have your faith. In fact, it is in such desparate situations that you find in you the power to believe!

 Jesus said: "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." (Mt 11:12)

This blind beggar took it by force! Do not let Jesus pass you by! Believe and cry out to Him despite all circumstances! No one can take your faith away from you! Believe!

"Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him." (Luke 18:40a)

God moves you by faith, because He is moved by faith. Your relationship with God is based on faith. The key to the doors of Heaven and to your blessings is on your lips of faith. Jesus is moved by the faith of seekers.

"When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”" (Luke 18:40b-41a)

Jesus feels obliged to give to each believing seeker his/her rightful reward of faith.

"“Lord, I want to see,” he replied." (Luke 18:41b)

Everyone knows what he/she has lost. You know very well when you do not dream as you used to and you do not serve like used to, you have lost your vision, your strength, your right to see and to live. Do you ask Jesus for what you've lost? Do you find the courage to ask Him? Do you know that He is full of mercy? Do you find your confidence in His mercy by faith, when you know you have nothing else to rely on?

"Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”" (Lk 18:42)

That's all I need Lord! Your command and Your Word driven by Your mercifull and healing compassion!

The Lord confirms that all was needed was faith. He tells us the same thing today. If you have lost your sight, your health, your vision, your dignity, your wealth or anything valuable to you, all that you need to do is believe in His mercy and grace and by all means, do not let Him pass you by.

"Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God." (Lk 18:43)

Those who truly follow Him, have received a special touch from Him. All who follow Him have tasted His goodness. All who follow Him know that He has laid His life for His own. We live to glorify you Lord! You are an awesome God!