Have Mercy

I was reading in Luke chapter 18 about the blind beggar. It’s an awesome thing how as many times as we read the Word of God a new revelation continues to pour out. This story that I had read so many times, now revealed a new truth to me.

Luke 18:38 “He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 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!”

This is where I had to stop and really see what was happening. This man, in an impossible situation, with an impossible request is shouting at the top of his lungs because he knows the answer is before him. He knows all the facts, and if that wasn’t enough the crowd of people are now rebuking him openly for his request, for his faith, and even more for his social status. How could a beggar, a presumed sinner ask the Son of God for anything?!

He was surrounded by discouragement, condemnation and impossibility. However, his belief, bread courage to press through it all and seek the answer. He not only tried once, but he CONTINUED to try until he received what he knew was available. This beggar proceeds to plead to Jesus and in turn, Jesus stops what He is doing to encounter this man.

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

This is where I almost got overwhelmed with such a loaded dynamic. First, Jesus sees this persistence and stopped. However, he says to this man, “YOUR” faith has healed you. He is telling him his unwavering belief in what Jesus was able to do was the catalyst to his healing. What an incredible treasure. To know that if we commit to believe what has been promised, despite every obstacle it is the key to receiving from the Master. Commitment to know who HE is, to stand on what He has promised, what His word guarantees and not waver causes response. It causes things to change, healings to take place and needs to be met.

The next thing I noticed is that those who did not believe, and even rebuked him ended up receiving a blessing from the beggar’s persistence for a miracle. Those in disbelief, focused on the carnal, not understanding the nature of Jesus, but they learn more about Him. They began to praise, they realized there really is nothing impossible. There are NO exclusions when it comes to Jesus. He is not looking for status, perfection, or even understanding. He looks to the heart, he looks for faith.

Thank the Lord we don’t have to be anything exceptional. We do not have to come perfect or even clean. We can come in a broken mess and call to the Father, shaking off all the voices who say give up. All the voices saying you’re unworthy, all the voices saying it will never happen. Silence the things contrary to what the word says. Get a hold of what Jesus says and run with it. Hold onto it, call out for it, stand on it, believe in it whole heartedly. Never give up. He has a miracle for you, your answer and your provision is right before you. Refuse to give into doubt and know that when the Savior hears your voice, He meets us. He is a good Father and you can trust His promises.

Pastor Natalie Snider