Deut. 30:1-10; 2 Cor. 10:1-18; Luke 18:31-43

It is good to be back in the Morning Reflection saddle again.  It was a glorious week off – vacation in St. Louis and Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  I come back refreshed and ready to tackle a challenging month for the presbytery.  Well, let’s turn to our scripture:

One of the most dramatic healings of Jesus’ ministry occurs today in Luke.  A blind beggar calls for Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  People ordered him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more.  He gets Jesus’ attention and ordered the man be brought to him, when he asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  He responds, “Lord, let me see again.”

He is healed – Jesus declaring his faith has made him well.

This all occurs on the heels of the Rich Young Ruler, who could not enter into eternal life with his worldview of money.  This is also on the heels of the Pharisee’s lack of faith.

Here is a blind beggar.  He is obviously unclean by his condition, and most certainly doubly unclean by his begging.  Here, Jesus lifts him up as the example of faith.  He believes!  He KNOWS that Jesus can heal him.  He knows that he only has to ask, because he knows who this is and the power he has.

I pray for this kind of trust every day.  Am I courageous enough to trust that God can get me back on track?  My Church?  My life?  How can I muster up the courage and the faith to seek out help when I need it?

This is the daily struggle, isn’t it?  We are a prideful people, we Americans.  We are industrious and independent.  “Help?  No thanks, I can do it myself.”

I pray for trust and courage and faith every day.

-Matt