If only I could see as well as the blind man.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

This morning we were in Luke. I decided to read a little before the text to see what led us to where we were. Well this passage hit me like a bolt of lighting and I thought I would share.

I think a lot of times we pre qualify those we share with or those who God wants us to share with. I also think we pre qualify those God chooses to use and sometimes think it wont be us because of our flaws. I also think sometimes we just need to slow down and see what and who God is trying to show us rather than being so task oriented.
The blind guy is a beggar who depends 100% on society to provide for him and meet his needs. The man is not proud and is completely dependent. From the outside looking in he doesnt have much to offer and is physically flawed by the worlds standards. Yet he cried out to Jesus knowing without a doubt Jesus could help him. The man didnt wait until he could see to ask for help. The man didnt wait until he got his mess together or was wearing the right outfit. All he did was cry out.
Those who led the way I think represent church people. See they were so busy leading the way that they forgot why or who they were suppose to be leading the way for. They were so task oriented they forgot that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. That Jesus doesnt want the blind and lost to just be passed by in our day to day routine so that we can hurry to our nice building we call church and then decide we want to see Jesus. I think a lot of times we get so busy living that even while meaning well we pass opportunities that God has given us to share. I wonder how many times we walk past the blind beggar thinking man I sure wish God would give me a chance to share.
Jesus healed him not because of what he had done, or could do Jesus healed him because he had faith. Not faith + XYZ but faith. What those leading the way didnt realize is obviously someone had planted the seed. The blind man knew who Jesus was. The seed had been watered and just because the man looked like briars and thorns the harvest was almost bypassed.
This also shows me God doesnt just use the pretty or the perfect or the bold or the wise. God uses those who submit. When the man was healed he was on fire. For so long he had walked in the dark yet now he could see. This man wanted everyone to know the source of his joy and healing. I wonder how often we search and wander in the dark when Jesus the light of the world wants to give us sight and vision. Also how often after we see the light does our fire begin to dwindle. There was no doubt a change in this man and others wanted to know about the change and he wanted to share. Are we changed? Does the world see a change? Ok maybe more later had to clear this off my heart so I could rest.