I found the story of the blind man in verses 22 - 26. It's the only story I can think of in the gospels where we see only a partial healing at first. In this situation people brought the man to Jesus and begged Him to heal the blind man. Sometime I should go through all the accounts of Jesus healing people and see if it's indeed true that when Jesus first touched someone there was only a partial healing. We see so many examples of people with great faith going to Jesus asking for healing or healing for a child. I wonder if this is a case of the blind man's friend believing Jesus could heal him, but the man himself wasn't so sure. Sorry if I'm off in right field, it's just something that jumped out at me as I read this passage. And maybe it's a message to us, that we should bring our sick friends to God in faith praying for their healing even if they aren't sure if God can do it. OK, I'm sure all the rest of you figured that out a long time ago. I do believe in praying for people, but as I read this and then started writing this blog it kind of hit me between the eyes.
That's a really good thought--I've long thought that we can only receive in measure to our faith, so my first thought here was that the blind man didn't, at first, fully believe. But you're right that it could have been the friends' belief that got him that far. Unlike when we see a parent or master who comes begging and the child/servant is nowhere near and often so close to death that they can't really doubt, the blind man could have been doubting. Until he saw those silhouettes.
ReplyDeleteA great reminder that praying for others can show them enough that then THEY will believe.
I think that no matter how much faith we have, healing sometimes doesn't happen because, for some reason, it isn't God's will. Maybe, there is a lesson to be learned. Maybe, it is time for a person to be with God in heaven. Maybe, a person can grow in some way if they are not healed. Maybe, a person is being saved from worse pain and suffering in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm not suggesting to NOT pray for healing, because I definitely know prayer works. I just think that adding "Your will be done" is also key. Sometimes, when I pray for something to happen and it doesn't, I don't understand it but later see how good came out of a different outcome. And, sometimes it is really hard to see that good at first, especially if a loved one suffers or dies.
I know where you're coming from Sharon and I know you're not saying we shouldn't pray for healing. Sometimes it's hard to understand God's will, but the thing we have to hold on to is that He does see the bigger picture and is faithful. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteMark 8
ReplyDelete4b “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?”
For a second time, Jesus provides food for them to disperse with food left over.
16-18a At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes—can’t you see? You have ears—can’t you hear?
Give us this day our Daily Bread. Our nourishment comes from Him.
35,36 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Hanging on to our lives, calling on Him when we perceive we are in need, loses so much when if we would yield to Him, our needs would be less. Following His path for us would eliminate so many detours.
This happened to me one day when I was walking home from Bible study: As I was almost to cross the street, nearing our home by a couple blocks, so clearly I hear, "I love your soul." I know He loves my heart, but HE loves my soul! I am pleasing to Him, I need not do anything. He loves me. No striving on my part. I am to receive what He has for me ~*~ His path for me, by being open, hearing, waiting for His call to me. This is the way, walk ye in it! As I continue my daily life, as Elisabeth Elliot says, "Do the next thing," knowing He is my Source, my Direction, and if I am swerving, veering off the path, He will gently, quickly move me, in step with Him.
Matthew 22:37, Jesus answered him, “Love, the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."
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