I was listening to a podcast recently and they were
discussing the story of the blind man.
If you read the story in the Bible in Luke 18:35, Jesus says this, “What
wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?”
To us today in the culture and times that we live,
doesn’t that seem like a silly question? I mean, the guy is obviously blind! Who wouldn’t want to be healed of blindness
and receive their sight?
They explained
that back in those times – being a beggar was actually considered an
occupation. Passerbys (unlike our
culture today) would give to the beggars because they were commanded to give
alms to the poor. So beggars were
actually doing a service to the community.
Interesting, isn’t it? When the
passerbys would give to the beggars, the beggars would stand up and offer
polished prayers asking God to bless you and your family. This fulfilled your religious duties.
So, when Jesus asked this blind man if he wanted to be
healed, that was a very legitimate question.
Because if he said yes, he was giving up his profession – his way of
life – his means to provide for himself.
To us-being healed, it would be a no-brainer. To the blind man, it was a huge step of
faith. And it was Jesus asking this
question – are you ready to take on the
responsibility that comes with the grace of God?
Have you ever asked God for something? What about healing of a broken
relationship? God, please heal my broken
relationship! But in reality, are you
ready for the responsibility that comes on your part in that relationship? Because great relationships just don’t happen.
God, please help me to get out of
debt! But are you ready to take on the
responsibility of being obedient to God in giving Him the first 10% of your
income? Foregoing pleasure to make it
happen? God, please give me a ministry
to serve You! But are you ready for the
responsibility that comes with the title?
Probably not.
You see, God will do these things for you. But He first wants to see if you are ready
for the responsibility.
So today’s challenge is count the cost before you ask
for what you think you want.
God wants to
know if you really want the responsibility – or just the grace.
Will you
take the challenge?
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