Recently was reading the story in the Gospels about the blind man who was sitting by the side of the road begging. Without his eye sight, other senses became so important for survival, for making it. What is happening with this noisy crowd that is now almost upon him? He asks a passerby and the person replies, "It is Jesus of Nazareth."
A stirring of Hope in his heart? The blind man began to call out to Jesus. Perhaps what he's heard...this man might make a difference? He continues to call out as loudly as possible, desperately wanting some attention and helps.
He must have had an idea of what Jesus was capable of. He called him by a more familiar name, implying that he might know Him. "Jesus, Son of David...have mercy on me." Persistently he used his voice to call out...he did what he was able to do...
Jesus was surrounded. Everyone wanted to be close to Him. He could have walked on by. Likely everywhere Jesus looked people were in His sight. What did He do? He chose to stop, turn and go to the blind man. Easy enough to walk by and disregard like so many in a crowd would.... Jesus, however, chose to interact with this man.
And the man gained his sight! He asked with faith and Jesus healed him! He could see again! Marvelous miracle!
"Jesus listens as He looks into eyes and faces. He reaches out to the person~~the whole person~~and meets their needs.
"And may it be so with us. When reaching out with our hands, resources and love to those in need, may we always look into their faces and listen to their stories. Even though it can seem like the voice of those on the margins have been silenced, may we remember that they haven't been. They have stories, lives, and experiences too. " (from Nish Weiseth).
Our stories can be redeemed, bringing hope and encouragement to others. AND, GOD cares about our stories.
"The Lord, your God, is with you. He is a Hero who saves you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with His love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy" Zephaniah 3:17 (God's Word Translation).
Let us celebrate our stories...especially His deeper stories within us! When is the last time you have shouted with JOY over someone?!
Be BLESSED~
LaCheri
A stirring of Hope in his heart? The blind man began to call out to Jesus. Perhaps what he's heard...this man might make a difference? He continues to call out as loudly as possible, desperately wanting some attention and helps.
He must have had an idea of what Jesus was capable of. He called him by a more familiar name, implying that he might know Him. "Jesus, Son of David...have mercy on me." Persistently he used his voice to call out...he did what he was able to do...
Jesus was surrounded. Everyone wanted to be close to Him. He could have walked on by. Likely everywhere Jesus looked people were in His sight. What did He do? He chose to stop, turn and go to the blind man. Easy enough to walk by and disregard like so many in a crowd would.... Jesus, however, chose to interact with this man.
And the man gained his sight! He asked with faith and Jesus healed him! He could see again! Marvelous miracle!
"Jesus listens as He looks into eyes and faces. He reaches out to the person~~the whole person~~and meets their needs.
"And may it be so with us. When reaching out with our hands, resources and love to those in need, may we always look into their faces and listen to their stories. Even though it can seem like the voice of those on the margins have been silenced, may we remember that they haven't been. They have stories, lives, and experiences too. " (from Nish Weiseth).
Our stories can be redeemed, bringing hope and encouragement to others. AND, GOD cares about our stories.
"The Lord, your God, is with you. He is a Hero who saves you. He happily rejoices over you, renews you with His love, and celebrates over you with shouts of joy" Zephaniah 3:17 (God's Word Translation).
Let us celebrate our stories...especially His deeper stories within us! When is the last time you have shouted with JOY over someone?!
Be BLESSED~
LaCheri