Expectant Faith

Matthew 9:27-29 

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 

I love the interaction Jesus had with these blind men. Can you imagine how desperate and hopeful they must have been? They were blind and desperate to see and yet, they were hopeful because Jesus was near. I’m sure the reputation of Jesus was well known in this region of Galilee since He had established his ministry headquarters there. So, when these desperate, blind men heard that Jesus was nearby, they jumped at the opportunity to receive healing and deliverance from their blindness.

The question that Jesus asked is one that I believe is very relevant to the times in which we live today. We are facing uncertain times. Things are changing hour by hour. There are many who are worried about their health, but there are many more who are worried about their finances, and I completely understand. More importantly, Jesus understands!

I also believe there are many Christians praying for this pandemic to end and for life to get back to normal. I guess the question is similar to the one Jesus asked the blind men, “Do you believe that Jesus is able to do…whatever it is that you need Him to do in your desperation?” I mean do we really believe that He is able. The typical church answer is, “Yes,” and then to go on about worrying and fretting.

So deep down in our spirits do we really believe He is able, and that He will deliver us from the health and financial impact of this pandemic? I hope we can have the same response these blind men did when they answered with an emphatic, “Yes, Lord.” When they acknowledged their belief and Jesus recognized their faith, He rewarded that faith with a deliverance form a condition that had created a desperation.

You may have no concerns whatsoever about the impact of this coronavirus scare, but I’m certain there is something that you need Jesus to deliver you from. My question for all of us is, “What do you believe Jesus can do?” We read the story of the blind men and nod with believe that He healed them, but then turn and fret over our present circumstances. If you believe He healed them why do you continue to worry about your circumstances? He loves and cares for you just as much as He loved and cared for them.

Matthew records for us the rest of the story. He writes, “But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.” 

I strongly believe that the the followers of Jesus have a great opportunity to share our faith and experiences during these gloomy days. Will those who don’t have faith see you as one who believes?

Keep the FAITH,

Pastor Marty