From Scolding to Praising
Luke 18:35 – As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road begging. 36 – When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was going on. 37 – They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is passing by.” 38 – So he called out, “Jesus Son of David, have mercy on me!”
verse 39 – And those who were in front scolded him to get him to be quiet, but he shouted even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 – So Jesus stopped and ordered the beggar to be brought to him. When the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 – “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, let me see again.”
verse 42 – Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.” 43 – And immediately he regained his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they too gave praise to God.
The man’s persistence reminds me of the parable Jesus told regarding the persistent widow. The blind man did not lose hope or give up even in the midst of all the scolding he received to shame him into keeping quiet. He ended up shouting for mercy all the more. The man’s persistent faith resulted in healing. His persistent faith resulted in the scolding turning to praise. No one could refute the miracle that had taken place as Jesus granted his petition.
What is your petition of Jesus? What have you lost that you want back? Have you been shamed by family or the most religious among you into keeping quiet and accepting “God’s will?” This story should tell you how to respond. Respond by praying all the louder! Pray all the harder! May your faith bring you into the presence of the Almighty.
Then you will take delight in the LORD, and he will answer your prayers. Commit your future to the LORD! Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf. He will vindicate you in broad daylight, and publicly defend your just cause. – Psalms 37:4-6.
Then witness as those who shame and scold turn into those who will praise God at all the mighty things He has done for you!
Where two are gathered 