Journey of the Word

You may know me and some of my story. What you may not know is that I was once blind. Actually, my experience is very similar to this man’s . . .

A blind beggar was sitting by the roadside. 

. . . not because that was his favorite spot, but because he had been left there to survive on the wealth of passersby.

I, too, was an outcast. Blinded by sin. Destined for a life in the gutter. Begging for any glimmer of hope the world could give me.

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

In the midst of my misery, I heard glorious news. Jesus could open my eyes.

At the young age of five, I knelt by the living-room sofa and cried out to the Lord for mercy.

And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

The hope of the gospel tugged at me so strongly, I doubt any rebukes would have given me hesitation.

When eternal life is within reach, the urge to stretch out your hand is irresistible.

And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” 

What I’ve learned since that morning at the sofa, is that it wasn’t so much me calling on Jesus for mercy. It was Jesus calling me to himself, without which I would still be on the side of the road.

And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 

My parents, and others in their family of faith, confirmed the work of the Spirit of Truth in my life. They took me by the hand and led me to Saving Grace.

And truth be told, that pitiful blind beggar was probably the last person anyone expected to be acknowledged by Jesus.

Oh but Jesus came to heal those who are sick. To call not the righteous, but sinners.

So I qualify.

And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 

Rid of the past and rushing joyously to a glorious Forever. My heart exactly.

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

Would you believe the Creator of the Universe made the same offer to me, too? From King to beggar, an open invitation. The epitome of upside-down.

And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 

My words must have been just as simple and uneducated. All I knew was that I was blinded by sin, and this Man could reverse the curse.

And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” 

At my humble request, the Light of the world shattered my darkness and lifted my shame. And I could see.

And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. 

My brand new heart produced a strange response: Follow.

And that’s where you’ll find me today.

I was blinded by my sin. Had no ears to hear your voice.
Did not know your love within. Had no taste for heaven’s joys.

Then your spirit gave me life. Opened up your word to me.
Through the gospel of your Son, gave me endless hope and peace.

Help me now to live a life that’s dependent on your grace.
Keep my heart and guard my soul from the evils that I face.

You are worthy to be praised with my every thought and deed.
O great God of highest heaven, glorify your name through me.

Scripture text from Mark 10:46-52. Hymn text from “O Great God” by Bob Kauflin (also reference to “He Who is Mighty” by Rebecca Elliott & Kate DeGraide).

 [image credit: unsplash.com]