September 25 – Crying Out for Mercy!

“And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”” – Luke 18:38-39 (NASB)

Jesus and his disciples were passing through Jericho. Leaving the Jewish Jericho they approached the Roman Jericho*. As was usual, the people mobbed around Jesus. When Jesus healed the sick and the lame and the demon possessed, He did it totally, completely. He did no partial healings. In this story, when we read the account in the Matthew, there were two blind men. Mark gives us the name of one, Bartimaeus (Son of Thomas). Only Bartimaeus called out to Jesus. He had to ask what the commotion was and he was told it was Jesus. He immediately cries out calling Jesus the Son of David. And he asks for mercy. He knew it was only by mercy that Jesus would stop and heal him. Jesus asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The men’s faith was evident and they knew who Jesus was and what He could do. “Lord, I want to regain my sight!” Immediately Jesus healed him with the words, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” Matthew records that “Jesus in pity touched their eyes and immediately they recovered their sight and followed Him. What a merciful Savior He is.

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* Which Jericho is identified by Luke and the others? 

June 22 – Where We Are, He Is

“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”  John 17:24 (NASB)

Remember that the evening before Jesus was crucified, He prayed a prayer which is recorded in the Bible by John in Chapter 17. Jesus was praying for His disciples as He was leaving them. He was also praying for those who would believe on Him through the message of salvation they would be telling the world. (v. 20*) These words in our verse reveal our Lord's great love for us. He wanted His followers to be with Him in heaven even though they had not be perfect as they had followed Him.  We remember how they had disappointed Jesus at times. They failed Him often but He still wanted them to with Him in heaven. We remind ourselves of this promise often that Jesus is continuing to pray for us in heaven. Even though we often fail Him He is still anxious to bring us through. Yes, we believe that He is still praying for you and me as He prayed to His Father in the verse we have selected today.  One day we will be with Jesus where He is and today He is with us where we are, and loving us.

* “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”  John 17:20 (NIV)