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DEMANDING GOD’S BLESSING by Carl McMurray
Luke 18:35-43 is a short account of Jesus healing a blind man. Considering all the miracles performed by the Lord, this in itself surely does not seem to be extraordinary. But consider, if you will, that there are some aspects of this particular healing that should capture our attention. In this passage, Jesus is approaching Jericho with a multitude of people when they go past a blind beggar by the side of the road. Hearing the multitude, the beggar inquired as to the cause of the commotion and finding out who was the focus of it all, he began calling out to Jesus for attention and mercy. The New American Standard says that members of the crowd were “sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more.” Hearing him, Jesus stopped, had the man brought near and questioned him. In answer to the Lord’s question, the beggar requested that he be healed of his blindness. Jesus granted the request and both the man and the multitude observing the miracle glorified and praised God. What I find most interesting about this account is that the blind man refused to be silenced. When he knew that the power to heal his blindness was within shouting distance - he shouted. Though others tried to quiet him sternly, he refused to be quieted. He refused to be content with less than the pure power of God which he needed and which was available. What if he had “gone along with the crowd?” He would have remained in the darkness. And even more importantly, God would have been cheated out of praise and glory by “those who led the way.” Those who lead the way do not always have the proper perspective. It seems that sometimes it is important to stop by the side of the road and tend to matters that will glorify God. For fifty years there have been elders and preachers who led God’s people down a different path than that chosen by first century teachers. They have, over the years, turned the church into a fund raising organization for soup kitchens, clinics, youth groups, benevolent organizations of every kind, sports and recreational activities, and schools of every type from day-care though the university level. Their liberal attitude toward authority, the Scriptures, and the church has also been evident over the years as their doctrine softened and they began compromising God’s teaching on the eldership, the organization and mission of the church, church discipline, and the marriage relationship. They have led God’s people down the road to Jericho instead of Jerusalem. They have led people away from God and there’s been a pretty fair sized multitude following this doughnut fellowship and Sunday morning spirituality. We thank God that every so often, a blind beggar on the side of the road calls out for the pure power of God. In this great crowd - he is not able to see Jesus. It is commonplace for the elders to take this troublemaker aside, give him a few scriptures taken out of context, and tell him sternly to be quiet. Sadly, some do quiet down. They hush and remain in their blindness. But a few have not been content with “hushing” when God’s blessing and power is available. They have demanded the truth and when the crowd walks on, these have found the light of God’s word to give them sight. We commend them, appreciate their efforts, and praise God for them. On different fronts, in the denominations of men, those who lead the way are keeping others in darkness and telling them to be quiet. Elders, lording over their flock, are enforcing traditions and opinions and telling their sheep to “submit” to their “rule.” Preachers who don’t want to be questioned are trying to stand between Christians and their Lord. Arrogant men who believe themselves to be knowledgeable teachers are using carnal tactics like name calling and bully tactics to achieve preeminence in churches. They are putting to silence some humble, holy men who are just asking to be brought into the presence of Jesus Christ. The crowd, for the most part, and sad as it sounds, is just watching. The opportunity is always present that God will be glorified and Jesus Christ will be praised. Unlike the account in Luke 18, however, most of the time that just doesn’t happen. The Father, the Son, Christians, everybody misses out on the blessing and fellowship of the work of Jesus, because while His power is within shouting distance, we allow some who lead the way to quiet us down. God bless the good leaders that we have in many places. Praise the Lord for good men who call others into the presence of Christ without thought for themselves. Preachers and teachers and elders and godly sisters who walk with the Lord while always encouraging others to “come go with us,” are worth their weight in gold. We’ll never have enough of them. As we “see” Jesus through the revelation of the Holy Spirit and the lives of His people, demand His presence and His blessing in your life. Ask questions, study, examine, prove all things, hold fast that which is good. When someone tells you to “quiet down,” “cry out all the more” for the Master. In the end the Lord will be glorified and the very ones who said, “quiet” may join you in praise of our Saviour. |
