Meet John Berry

As with the persistent widow in the parable at the beginning of the chapter, persistence pays off for the blind beggar. It is not hard to see this man's needs; he was blind and begging. Over others' objections, he repeatedly called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38) His use of "Son of David" implies that he believed Jesus to be the Messiah, one capable of healing and salvation. Although everyone else ignored the blind man, Jesus stopped and asked that the man be brought to Him. After Christ granted the blind man his sight, the healed man followed Christ and praised God. 

What a picture of our own salvation! We are not only blind; we are dead in our sins and transgressions! (Ephesians 2:1)  

We need more than sight. We need to be brought back to life. When we recognize God's place in the universe as the giver of all good things, we can truly value the grace we receive. When we understand that His healing is completely undeserved, our natural response should be joy.

Years ago, I was feeling consistently lousy. My doctor did not appear concerned and attributed it to old age and business travel. One day, I was exhausted and could barely walk or use my hands. I had severe arthritis and developed a rash on my torso. I asked Linda to take me to the emergency room. She had a better solution: A new doctor! My new doctor diagnosed me with lupus and started me on a series of medicines. I felt so good that I ran around telling everyone, “I have the greatest doctor in the world! He has changed my life!” Then, I was convicted. I was doing a better job of praising the doctor who improved my physical symptoms than the Great Physician who had saved my life eternally.

Follow the blind beggar's example, not mine. Respond to God's grace by joyfully sharing with those around you all the ways He has healed you.