What Do You Want?

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.'” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:35-38, 40–41, NIV 1984).

My Musings – Everyone knew what the man wanted. “‘Lord, I want to see,’ he replied.” (Luke 18:41, NIV 1984). And even if no one else did, for sure Jesus did. So, why ask the obvious? The text does not tell us, but it is instructive to us today. Jesus knows what we want (and need). But He wants us to ask Him. To have that faith that the blind man had, “Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.'” (Luke 18:42, NIV 1984).

But Jesus also knows better than to give us everything we want, or think we need. For we have our present needs and wants in mind, whereas Jesus has our eternal needs in mind. What He desires from us is to continue to have that same faith when He says no or not now. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV 1984).

My Advice – Sometimes the “fish” we think we are asking for is really a “snake.” “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9–11, NIV 1984).

Sometimes, in the context of eternity, not healing the blindness is the better gift. Even if we cannot “see” it now. When those things happen, let’s keep the faith, knowing that the better gift awaits us.