Today’s gospel from Luke is a story from when Jesus is walking through Jericho, the crowds are following him, and on the roadside is a beggar. He is not only poor, he is blind. He hears the crowd and asks what is going on. Once he finds out Jesus is passing through, he calls out to him. “He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Lk 18:37. Some scold him and tell him to be quiet. However, the beggar persists.
Interestingly, perhaps, or expectedly, depending on how you perceive it, Jesus asks the man what he wants. He replies that he wants to see. Jesus tells the man he is healed. That is, he shall see. Further, Jesus says his (the beggar) faith has saved him!
Able to Identify
At different seasons in our lives, I am sure we are able to identify with the blind beggar, with the people telling him to quiet down, with the people who are just there quietly watching, with Jesus’s followers. I know I can think of times when I was one or all of these.
More importantly, what is the lesson in Luke chapter 18? We see throughout the chapter the theme of perseverance. Prayers are answered, miracles happen when the people are persistent and determined. God wants us to be bold with our asks. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Ask
When we ask big, God will answer big, be it His will. And yet, we won’t know if we do not ask. So, keep approaching the Lord. Keep asking. If you do not know what to ask, tell Him! Ask for guidance, clarity, and “sight” for what you do need. Be persistent. Persevere. Do not ever give up because God never gives up on you.
