June 29 Persistent Faith

Luke 18:35-39 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!”
 
EIGHT days ago, we wrote of Jesus’ teaching on prayer and spoke of being one who prays persistently. Here is a great example of a faithful man persistent to call on Jesus.
    See his quick response to Jesus’ presence, “Jesus, Son of David.” Hear his faithful petition, “Have mercy upon me.” Apparently, people have witnessed to him of a healing, life-transforming teacher come to the Jews. The good news of the great miracles Jesus of Nazareth has done and the soul-changing teachings he has spoken has stirred his heart to hope!
    This faithful man is not like the disciple Nathanael who first said of Jesus, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46) He is not like the “learned” Pharisees who asked, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?” (Luke 5:22) The Spirit has anointed the blind beggar with eyes to see and ears to hear know the Living God’s power has come to earth.
    About 500 years before this, God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel regarding spiritual sight and blindness with these words. Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” As they did Ezekiel, rebellious people mocked and surrounded the blind man. Also in the manner of his touch on Ezekiel’s prophetic vision, God opened the blind man’s spiritual eyes to see the Lord’s glory among the Jews. 
    The beggar in the street of Jericho id s perfect example of faithful, persistent prayer. Let’s be as he was. 
 
Prayer: Jesus of Nazareth, Son of David, have mercy upon me. Amen.