Yesterday was our final Sunday to be with the folks at Huntingdon. I shared computer slides of the past four years and eight months. We enjoyed a time of fellowship and food with the folks in the fellowship hall and we bid them farewell. We leave with a measure of fulfillment and prayer for the future of the ministry at the Huntingdon church.
Several have asked about our next assignment. We are continuing to pray and wait on the Lord for direction.
I am available for revivals, counseling ministry, counseling seminars, and pulpit supply for pastors who need to be away for whatever reason and am continuing to be very involved in my studies for the Doctor of Ministry. I am also open for consideration to pastor. Karen continues to teach in middle school. We are praying that God will direct us as we move forward for Him.
If you wish to continue following my posts click this link Wings of Eagles .
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Prayer Devotional: Are You Forcing Prayer?
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. … If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
--John 15:5, 7
Prayer is not the cause of abiding in Christ, it’s the result or effect of abiding in Christ. Or to put it another way, if we’re truly abiding in Christ, we won’t have to force prayer.
In today’s verse, Jesus tells us what the secret to growing and maturing as a Christian is. It’s pretty simple! Be a branch. That’s it! Be a branch. And because branches are connected to the vine, there’s a constant interchange between the two.
Now, I don’t know what kind of background you come from or what your impression of praying is, but if it helps, I would encourage you to just think about prayer as a conversation. A conversation of a friend with a friend.
And when your relationship with a friend is growing, you talk! You talk and you listen. And in healthy relationships, that conversation and interaction flows naturally.
From Christianity.com with Dr. Jack Graham.
To finish reading the devotional go here.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Final Two Weeks
By now several people know that our last week here at Huntingdon will be the last week of March. We have been asked by some where we are going but, at this time, we have nothing firm as our next assignment. We are seeking the Lord for his direction and will post where we are in ministry when we know for sure.
We have just finished loading our furniture and moving to a house we purchased in Old Hickory, TN. Karen is continuing to teach school in Nashville Metro Schools. I am continuing in the Doctor of Ministry at Trinity Theological Seminary (online), Newburgh, IN.
We believe our hearts desire is to follow Christ and minister where he opens the door. This will be a total of almost 26 years in pastoral ministry and we will continue to follow our Captain, Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, and today and for ever.
NOTICE: For those who wish to continue reading my posts you can go to my new BLOG by clicking here Wings of Eagles or on the title of this post. This BLOG will no longer continue after the end of this month (March, 2009).
We have just finished loading our furniture and moving to a house we purchased in Old Hickory, TN. Karen is continuing to teach school in Nashville Metro Schools. I am continuing in the Doctor of Ministry at Trinity Theological Seminary (online), Newburgh, IN.
We believe our hearts desire is to follow Christ and minister where he opens the door. This will be a total of almost 26 years in pastoral ministry and we will continue to follow our Captain, Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, and today and for ever.
NOTICE: For those who wish to continue reading my posts you can go to my new BLOG by clicking here Wings of Eagles or on the title of this post. This BLOG will no longer continue after the end of this month (March, 2009).
Update - Grandpa Again
Karen and I learned a few days ago that we are to have another grandchild sometime in early December. WOW! An early Christmas present. Sarah and David are expecting their first.
Aviana had her surgery this morning to remove tonsils and adnoids. She also had tubes put in her ears. She is doing fine.
This coming Sunday will be our final Sunday as pastor and family at the Huntingdon church. We will be leaving but will continue to be in prayer for the church there and will have friends for life.
Aviana had her surgery this morning to remove tonsils and adnoids. She also had tubes put in her ears. She is doing fine.
This coming Sunday will be our final Sunday as pastor and family at the Huntingdon church. We will be leaving but will continue to be in prayer for the church there and will have friends for life.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday Service
What a great day to be loving, worshipping and serving the Lord. We were blessed today in our service this morning. The fellowship of friends was outstanding.
Karen and I enjoyed visiting with Casey and Cindy Duncan today. They are expecting their next child - a girl. We thank the Lord for this young couple. We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Cindy's grandmother and Cindy.
Karen and I enjoyed visiting with Casey and Cindy Duncan today. They are expecting their next child - a girl. We thank the Lord for this young couple. We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Cindy's grandmother and Cindy.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Quote
1Timothy 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Apostle Paul
1Timothn 1:15 "This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner." GWV Translation
1Timothn 1:15 "This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner." GWV Translation
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Powerful Revival Service
My home church, Burns Church of God of Prophecy, has been in a month of weekend revival meetings. Tonight, I was blessed to minister there. I had not been back there in some years (about 15) since leaving to pastor. Pastor Terry Bear called me sometime in February and asked me to minister one Sunday night during the month of March. God blessed greatly. Praise and worship was outstanding and several were in the altar. I am thankful for the many fond memories of my days there as I grew up. It was a joy to see old friends (my memory would fail me to list them all here) and to meet new people. The church continues to grow. They have now added a new multi-purpose building (along with the beautiful sanctuary that was finished when I was there in the late 70's and paid for in the early 80's) and several new people are there that I did not know. Pastor Bear and I grew up there, as the saying goes, "cutting our teeth" on the old wood slat pews and following the path out the back door to the "little brown building out back." Time moves on. Things change. People change. Jesus Christ - the same yesterday, today and forever. To God be all the glory!
Terry and Amanda (Mr. and Mrs. Terry Zuck)
The wedding of Terry Zuck and Amanda Guidry went well today. Karen and I enjoyed being with them the past couple evenings. 
Amanda came to church at East Nashville COGOP when we pastored there from 98-02. 
They are a sweet couple and need someone to visit and minister to them. They now live in Springfield, TN (about 30 miles out of Nashville) and we do not have a church there. She calls me and Karen mom and dad. She was raised by her mother (who loves her and her two siblings) who had to work a lot and Amanda and our youngest, Sarah, became close friends when we lived there. Amanda was in our home quite often and we consider her one of our own. Acutally there were several teens who visited us a lot during those years. We often wonder how they are doing and where many of them are. 
We know where some of them are and continue to pray for them. It was special to get to counsel them the past couple months before they got married. We wish the best for them.
Amanda came to church at East Nashville COGOP when we pastored there from 98-02. 
They are a sweet couple and need someone to visit and minister to them. They now live in Springfield, TN (about 30 miles out of Nashville) and we do not have a church there. She calls me and Karen mom and dad. She was raised by her mother (who loves her and her two siblings) who had to work a lot and Amanda and our youngest, Sarah, became close friends when we lived there. Amanda was in our home quite often and we consider her one of our own. Acutally there were several teens who visited us a lot during those years. We often wonder how they are doing and where many of them are. 
We know where some of them are and continue to pray for them. It was special to get to counsel them the past couple months before they got married. We wish the best for them.
Yesterday and Today
After morning devotion, I continued reading and studying for the DMin. I prepared some notes for a sermon. Late afternoon (4-5:30) was given to the wedding rehearsal and going to be with the couple's family at Calhouns restaurant (6-7:45). We had never eaten there. It was good! Karen and I went to the Y around 8:15 pm with our granddaughter Aviana. Aviana had a blast on the rowing exerciser, even though she could hardly reach it. Then she walked some on a treadmill and that was cute as well. After getting home at 9:15 I did some "office" work, checked email and sacked out at 1 pm.
We slept in until 8:15 this morning - at least I was resting, maybe not sleeping much after 7 am. After morning devotion, I am finishing notes for a message I am to preach sometime later (I work on notes as I feel inspired and sometimes not). Karen and I are going to the Y for about an hour this morning around 11. I have to go copy some things at the library in between times. Then I am finalizing some things for the wedding today at 3 pm and getting ready and dressed for the wedding - have to be there at 2.
TENNESSEE MEN BEAT ALABAMA LAST NIGHT! YEAHHHHHH!!!! I saw smitgits of it at the Y and then on the sports at 10 last night.
More later. . .
We slept in until 8:15 this morning - at least I was resting, maybe not sleeping much after 7 am. After morning devotion, I am finishing notes for a message I am to preach sometime later (I work on notes as I feel inspired and sometimes not). Karen and I are going to the Y for about an hour this morning around 11. I have to go copy some things at the library in between times. Then I am finalizing some things for the wedding today at 3 pm and getting ready and dressed for the wedding - have to be there at 2.
TENNESSEE MEN BEAT ALABAMA LAST NIGHT! YEAHHHHHH!!!! I saw smitgits of it at the Y and then on the sports at 10 last night.
More later. . .
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Today
Today has been another day for the Lord. My mornings are usually given to devotional time, study and doing some work around the house. Later today, I travelled several miles (130 plus), visited with some minister friends and also went to the Y with my sweetie to exercise. We are trying to stay in shape the best we can. Being 59 plus keeps me pushing to stay in some sort of shape.
I have some more reading to do tonight and editing a 36 page paper for the DMin. I am working on. Also have to do some preparation for a wedding rehearsal tomorrow evening and the wedding Saturday evening.
Just thankful to the Lord that I am able to serve Him and for His great love, grace and mercy.
I have some more reading to do tonight and editing a 36 page paper for the DMin. I am working on. Also have to do some preparation for a wedding rehearsal tomorrow evening and the wedding Saturday evening.
Just thankful to the Lord that I am able to serve Him and for His great love, grace and mercy.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Praise Report
Stanley Reynolds' test results came back negative. Previous tests showed a mass on his left kidney but yesterday's results showed his kidney to be clear. It was a blessing to see and hear Brother Stanley testify to several, (doctors, nurses and several patients) that he gives all the praise to the Lord for healing him. Brother Stanley continues to serve the Lord and shares with those he comes in contact with. He uses his ministry in video, DVD and CD production to share the gospel and tape weddings and other family and church events to share with folks. We appreciate Brother Stanley.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Prayer Requests
Marie Moore was in the hospital all last week. We join with the family and church in prayer.
Stanley Reynolds will be going to Vanderbilt Hospital for tests on Monday, March 9. We join the family and church in prayer.
Sister Mildred Lawrence has been sick for several weeks now. We join the family and the church in prayer.
Ralph Stacey had a tumor removed under his eye. We join Sister Stacey and the church in prayer.
Peggy Heath has severe pains in her neck area from damaged nerves. We join in prayer with the church for Sister Heath.
Charlie Berry's supervisor's wife has terminal cancer. Doctor's say she will pass at any time. We join in prayer with the church for this lady and her family.
Several private requests including, prayer for God's will in ministry, prayer for lost family members, prayer for some emotional problems, prayer for financial needs and other private requests.
Stanley Reynolds will be going to Vanderbilt Hospital for tests on Monday, March 9. We join the family and church in prayer.
Sister Mildred Lawrence has been sick for several weeks now. We join the family and the church in prayer.
Ralph Stacey had a tumor removed under his eye. We join Sister Stacey and the church in prayer.
Peggy Heath has severe pains in her neck area from damaged nerves. We join in prayer with the church for Sister Heath.
Charlie Berry's supervisor's wife has terminal cancer. Doctor's say she will pass at any time. We join in prayer with the church for this lady and her family.
Several private requests including, prayer for God's will in ministry, prayer for lost family members, prayer for some emotional problems, prayer for financial needs and other private requests.
Humor
A PERFECT PREACHER
After hundreds of years, a model preacher has been found to suit everyone. He preaches exactly 20 minutes and then sits down. He condemns sin but never hurts anyone. He works from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In every type of work from preaching to custodial service. He makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys books regularly, has a nice family, drives a good car and gives $100 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good work that comes along. He Is 30 years old and has been preaching for 30 years! He is tall and short, thin and heavy set, and handsome. He has one brown eye and one blue; hair parted in the middle, left & side, dark and straight, the right, brown and wavy. He has a burning desire to work with children and teenagers and spends all his time with older folk. He smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 calls a day on the church members, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is never out of his office.
From Sermon Central
After hundreds of years, a model preacher has been found to suit everyone. He preaches exactly 20 minutes and then sits down. He condemns sin but never hurts anyone. He works from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In every type of work from preaching to custodial service. He makes $60.00 a week, wears good clothes, buys books regularly, has a nice family, drives a good car and gives $100 a week to the church. He also stands ready to contribute to every good work that comes along. He Is 30 years old and has been preaching for 30 years! He is tall and short, thin and heavy set, and handsome. He has one brown eye and one blue; hair parted in the middle, left & side, dark and straight, the right, brown and wavy. He has a burning desire to work with children and teenagers and spends all his time with older folk. He smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 calls a day on the church members, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched, and is never out of his office.
From Sermon Central
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Doing What Is Right
Proverbs 12:15 tells us, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." In a day when this scripture is prevalent, we do not have to guess that it is relevant to today's attitudes. The feeling is, "as long as it is right for me, then it is right - period." What a sad state to be in. In a time when unity of spirit is sacrificed for "what I want for me" and sometimes, "what I want for my church, no matter what" - - - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is sacrificed for "what is right in their own eyes."
The book of Judges speaks to the same sad state of affairs. Two verses, Judges 17:6 & 21:25, record, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Israel had gone through several Judges after they cried to the Lord from being under oppression of the enemy from their own disobedience. Yet, after being delivered over and over, again and again they went back into their own ways of being disobedient to God. Between those two verses, and the verses preceding, the Scripture records the sad condition of those involved in "doing that which is right in their own eyes." Judges 17:5 says, "And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest." This man made a graven image of silver and "had an house of gods" and concecrated one of his sons to be a priest. In reading this it seems almost beyond our imagination that these people, whom God had delivered so many times, would stoop so low as to make a graven image and have a house of gods - one of the ten commandments forbid graven images. Yet. their continual falling from God's favor and their disobedience to Him brought on this sad condition.
In reading between the two passages in Judges one can readily see the ridiculousness of the beliefs of this man Micah. This man, Micah, was trying to set up his own "tabernacle of religion." A young levite left his home in Bethlehemjudah and traveled through the area where Micah lived in the mountains of Ephraim. Micah asked the young levite to stay with him and be his son and to be his priest. Micah offered him ten pieces of silver and the young levite agreed to stay and be his priest. The foolishness of such arrangement is apparent. Then the Scripture records Micah's deceived thoughts. Verse 13 says, "Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest." How could he be so deceived to think that just because he has a levite and has ordained him as a priest in his house that "the Lord will do [him] good." Going though religious activity and religious ceremonies does not bring the favor of God when there is rebellion and disobedience. Religion can be very deceptive. All the religious piety and pompousness cannot bring the favor of God.
There can be the best contemporary worship music, the best oratory, the best facilities, the best technology, the best schedule, the best format, the best whatever but if there is the absence of obedience to the Lord and a genuine relationship with Him, then His blessings and favor will not be with us. Another passage in 2 Kings 17:33 says, "They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence." Another translations says, "They worshiped the LORD but also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had come." GWV Do we see some of the same type of conditions in our time.
It is sad to see people going through the motions of worshipping God but having no real relationship with Him. It is sad to see people who are living a social gospel but have not genuinely been born again by the Spirit of God. It is sad to see people who can go through the motions of doing "praise and worship" to the Lord yet in their heart of hearts knowing that they are living in rebellion and disobedience to the Lord. It is sad seeing hundreds and hundreds of people in religious meetings with no power of the Lord present. It is sad to see them with a "form of godliness but denying the power thereof."
Doing what is right involves being in the center of those who are giving wise counsel. Doing what is right involves avoiding the attitude of "what is right in my own eyes." It involves being subject to those over us in the Lord and being in submission to each other. This man Micah was doing "his own thing." Later a whole tribe (the tribe of Dan) got caught up in this man's foolishness and "did what was right in their own eyes." Reading on through these chapters shows the horrendous, abominable behavior of the people during this time. The details are such that it would make most moral people blush to read them. Some in Sodom and Gomorrah would be akin to such behavior. This is what happens to a people who "do what is right in their own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin got caught up in one man's attitude of "doing what is right in his own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin did not realize "their own evil was about to overtake them." Judges 20:34b GWV After God intervened in the battle and after the civil war was over, 25000 men in Benjamin had been killed. The rest of Israel sat before the Lord and cried, "why has this happened among us? Why should one tribe be missing today in Israel?" Judges 21:3 GWV
God help me to not get caught up in "doing what is right in my own eyes." God help churches to not get caught up in "doing what is right in their own eyes." God help us to follow our anointed leaders and to follow wise counsel. Make your Word more clear to us. Make what is right more clear to us. Give us a heart to follow what is right. Let us do what is right, in a right spirit, in a right attitude with prayer for grace to do what is right, with right motives. AMEN!
The book of Judges speaks to the same sad state of affairs. Two verses, Judges 17:6 & 21:25, record, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Israel had gone through several Judges after they cried to the Lord from being under oppression of the enemy from their own disobedience. Yet, after being delivered over and over, again and again they went back into their own ways of being disobedient to God. Between those two verses, and the verses preceding, the Scripture records the sad condition of those involved in "doing that which is right in their own eyes." Judges 17:5 says, "And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest." This man made a graven image of silver and "had an house of gods" and concecrated one of his sons to be a priest. In reading this it seems almost beyond our imagination that these people, whom God had delivered so many times, would stoop so low as to make a graven image and have a house of gods - one of the ten commandments forbid graven images. Yet. their continual falling from God's favor and their disobedience to Him brought on this sad condition.
In reading between the two passages in Judges one can readily see the ridiculousness of the beliefs of this man Micah. This man, Micah, was trying to set up his own "tabernacle of religion." A young levite left his home in Bethlehemjudah and traveled through the area where Micah lived in the mountains of Ephraim. Micah asked the young levite to stay with him and be his son and to be his priest. Micah offered him ten pieces of silver and the young levite agreed to stay and be his priest. The foolishness of such arrangement is apparent. Then the Scripture records Micah's deceived thoughts. Verse 13 says, "Then said Micah, Now know I that the LORD will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priest." How could he be so deceived to think that just because he has a levite and has ordained him as a priest in his house that "the Lord will do [him] good." Going though religious activity and religious ceremonies does not bring the favor of God when there is rebellion and disobedience. Religion can be very deceptive. All the religious piety and pompousness cannot bring the favor of God.
There can be the best contemporary worship music, the best oratory, the best facilities, the best technology, the best schedule, the best format, the best whatever but if there is the absence of obedience to the Lord and a genuine relationship with Him, then His blessings and favor will not be with us. Another passage in 2 Kings 17:33 says, "They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence." Another translations says, "They worshiped the LORD but also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had come." GWV Do we see some of the same type of conditions in our time.
It is sad to see people going through the motions of worshipping God but having no real relationship with Him. It is sad to see people who are living a social gospel but have not genuinely been born again by the Spirit of God. It is sad to see people who can go through the motions of doing "praise and worship" to the Lord yet in their heart of hearts knowing that they are living in rebellion and disobedience to the Lord. It is sad seeing hundreds and hundreds of people in religious meetings with no power of the Lord present. It is sad to see them with a "form of godliness but denying the power thereof."
Doing what is right involves being in the center of those who are giving wise counsel. Doing what is right involves avoiding the attitude of "what is right in my own eyes." It involves being subject to those over us in the Lord and being in submission to each other. This man Micah was doing "his own thing." Later a whole tribe (the tribe of Dan) got caught up in this man's foolishness and "did what was right in their own eyes." Reading on through these chapters shows the horrendous, abominable behavior of the people during this time. The details are such that it would make most moral people blush to read them. Some in Sodom and Gomorrah would be akin to such behavior. This is what happens to a people who "do what is right in their own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin got caught up in one man's attitude of "doing what is right in his own eyes." The tribe of Benjamin did not realize "their own evil was about to overtake them." Judges 20:34b GWV After God intervened in the battle and after the civil war was over, 25000 men in Benjamin had been killed. The rest of Israel sat before the Lord and cried, "why has this happened among us? Why should one tribe be missing today in Israel?" Judges 21:3 GWV
God help me to not get caught up in "doing what is right in my own eyes." God help churches to not get caught up in "doing what is right in their own eyes." God help us to follow our anointed leaders and to follow wise counsel. Make your Word more clear to us. Make what is right more clear to us. Give us a heart to follow what is right. Let us do what is right, in a right spirit, in a right attitude with prayer for grace to do what is right, with right motives. AMEN!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
REVIVAL
Thank the Lord for two great times of worship and being in the presence of the Lord today. Evangelist Tim Farmer delivered the word of the Lord today and we were challenged, encouraged and blessed. The altar had several seekers today and God met needs that only He knows of fully. Folks were weeping for lost children, seeking for a closer relationship with the Lord and dedicating themselves to being desperate for a breakthrough from the Lord. We believe, that although, scheduled revival is over, revival from the Lord continues. We are so thankful for God and for His promises. We are thirsty for His living water.
REVIVAL
The pending winter storm warning held some of our folks inside last night but to those who came out for the revival, God certainly blessed. The altar filled up with seekers after a great message encouraging each one to focus on receiving what God has in store for us. Evangelist Tim Farmer reminded us that Elisha would not be deterred from receiving what God had for him even though he had to stay with Elijah through several places that Elijah had to go for his final mission from God. No matter what may try to come between us and what God wants for us, we must focus on receiving from him. Many examples were given on those recorded in the New Testament Gospels, who would not be stopped from crying out, reaching out or getting to Jesus and touching Him with faith - believing that He would meet their need. We can do no less today! THANK GOD FOR THIS GREAT TIME OF REVIVAL! MAY HE RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY! The revival continues this morning at 11 am. . .
Saturday, February 28, 2009
REVIVAL
We are thanking the Lord for a great night of revival on the first night. Visitors were present from Camden Church of God of Prophecy, Jackson Church of God of Prophecy and Faith In Christ in Huntingdon, and Huntingdon Church of God of Prophecy. We appreciate the visitors and those who joined with us in the revival service last night and sang special songs. The presence of the Lord was very evident as people worshipped and rejoiced in the Lord. The message by Evangelist, Tim Farmer, was challenging and encouraging. The message challenged each one to "come out of their wilderness" and "enter into their promise land." He reminded us that many Christians get "bound by the past or the future." He challenged us to seek God for "what God wants to do now in each one's life now." The altar filled up after the message as people were seeking the Lord. We are continuing in revival expecting from the Lord as we worship Him and glorify him.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
REVIVAL
If we could use a theme for this revival it would be “BREAKTHROUGH BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” Let us continue to seek Him for a dynamic breakthrough.
Scheduled revival is now about 2 days away. Even though it is scheduled we will only experience revival as we seek the Lord and as he comes in our midst. When Jesus passes by, great miracles, blessings, salvation, cleansing, deliverance, yokes of the devil are broken and many other blessings are realized.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Do We Cry To Jesus Until We Receive From Him?
Matthew 2:29-30 tells us, "And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Blind beggars are mentioned frequently in the New Testament (Matt. 9:27; 12:22; 20:30; John 5:3). Their daily task was to beg for their sustenance if they were not taken care of as God instructed in the Old Testament (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18). Job said, "I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame." So long before the law was given it was a given to care for those who were "physically challenged" in some way or form.
If we consider the beggars mentioned in the New Testament, we could easily conclude that they were not being cared for as God would have them to be. Services as we have them today for the blind were not available but they were to still care for them. Whether these two men were being cared for as they should have been or not, one thing is certain - they would not stop crying for Jesus to have mercy on them even though "the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. . ." (v 39). Why they should hold their peace is not clear. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were of the Sadducees and Pharisees and did not want to see Jesus heal another person. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were disciples of Christ and thought they were doing him an honor by silencing these noisy screamers. Perhaps some in the "multitude" were selfishly thinking of themselves and wanted Christ's attention for themselves. Whatever the reason for silencing them, "they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David." Twice here in the Scriptures they called Him Lord and twice here in the Scriptures they cried for mercy. No doubt, they cried it many more times and would not be silenced. Jesus granted their request and also to "many that were blind he gave sight." (Luke 7:21b)
It amazes me that when the odds seemed against those persons who cried for Jesus, he would stop and ask what they wanted. These two blind men responded to His question, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." Now, it could be said that blindness is one of the worst disabilities that one could have (though some would strongly state that the inability to physically see does not deter them in the least in our day). While physical blindness is a terrible state to be in, spiritual blindness is much worse.
Jesus admonished his disciples to steer clear of those who are spiritually blind. After rebuking some of the religious leaders his disciples came to him and said, "Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" (Matt. 15:12) Jesus told the crowd that it is not what goes in the mouth that defiles a man but what comes out of the heart. The Pharisees had accused Jesus and his disciples of not washing their hands before they eat. Jesus then brought to light the way they dishonored their father and mother by being so duty bound to the temple and not caring for their parents as they should. He called them hypocrites. In fact, he described those who were hung up on the religious ceremonial law, to the point of sacrificing justice, mercy, love and grace, as being "blind." He warns his disciples, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matt. 15:15).
Do we continually cry to the Lord to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see. Or do we think that we are not spiritually blind, at least in some degree? The Gospel of John gives an account of a man born blind. Jesus met the man in the temple and washed his eyes with mud (spit and dirt) and told him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. He did and came seeing. The religious leaders did not like this and tried every way possible to discount this miracle that Jesus had performed. They even accused Him of being a sinner and also ostrasized the blind man that was healed. At one point Jesus said, "For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." This caused indignation in the Pharisees. Their response was, "Are we blind also?" Then Jesus replied, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth."
Would it not be better to have our spiritual eyes washed with "spit mud" than to have such "ignorant arrogance" as to say, "we see everything clearly in the spiritual sense?" Is there an inkling of pride somewhere that causes the attitude of being self-sufficient and keeps one from going in and out of the "DOOR" to receive what is needed day by day? O Lord, its hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way.
Crying out to Jesus is not "old school" or "new school." It is the "cool school" as my five year old granddaughter would say. Cry out to Jesus! Cry out to Jesus lest the "blindness of [the] heart. . ." continues. (Eph. 4:18) Cry out to Jesus for the light that only he can give. "O great Light of the World" come open our spiritual eyes that we may see You more clearly; that we may serve more fearlessly; that we may love more perfectly; that we may give more simply; that we may live more abundantly; that we may laugh more deeply; that we may weep with intercession for others; that we may glorify you in all things - by your mercy and grace. AMEN!
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