Desperately Seeking
Opening Prayer
Loving Lord, open my eyes now that I may see and learn wonderful things from Your Word.
Read Mark 8:22-26
[22] They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. [23] He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” [24] He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” [25] Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. [26] Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What picture of Jesus do you get here?The focus of this incident is a man who for some reason did not seek healing for himself. Maybe he was content with how things were. Maybe he liked being looked after. Maybe he didn’t know anything about what Jesus had been doing or what he could do for him. Whatever the reason, he had made no attempt, as far as we know, to do anything to change his situation.
There were, however, people who did want it to change. They were desperate for this man to see (22). Maybe they loved him and wanted a better life and opportunities for him. Maybe they were tired of looking after him. Maybe they didn’t want to hear him begging in their street any longer. Whatever the reason, they clearly wanted Jesus to touch him.
Sometimes, those we care for who don’t “see” who Jesus is aren’t bothered by it; but even if they’re not, we should be. It should concern us desperately that people are unthinkingly content with their spiritual status quo; that without Jesus’ touch they continue in blindness. How desperate are our prayers and actions for them?
Apply
Pray for someone close to you who is not yet a follower of Christ. How else could you help to bring them to him?
Closing prayer
Lord, give me a heart and real care for those close to me who don’t yet have the blessing of knowing You.
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