Faith to See

“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’”
Matthew 9:28a (NIV)

John Newton spent much of his life at sea. He became involved in the slave trade business and would eventually be the captain of a slave ship. At the time he wouldn’t have been considered a religious man. On a trip back to England his ship, his crew and his own life were at risk when a storm threatened to take them all. John cried out to God. He basically said something like – God if you are there and you spare my life I will serve you for the rest of mine. They made it to shore and John made good on his promise. It would take some time but he would eventually be accepted as a minister with the Church of England. John’s eyes would be opened to the horrors of what he had been involved in and would become a crucial voice in abolishing slavery in England. He would also pen perhaps the most known and loved hymn worldwide – Amazing Grace. When I read this week’s question, one of the first thoughts that came to mind was a line from this beloved hymn – “I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see.”

Jesus had been busy. A synagogue leader had come to Jesus saying his daughter had just died but that he knew if Jesus just touched her, she would be restored. On the way to the man’s house with a crowd of people around Him a woman believing that if she could just touch the hem of his robe she would be healed. She did, she was and Jesus commended her for her faith. The synagogue leader got his daughter back. Jesus was on the way back to the place he was staying when two blind men started following Him shouting, Son of David have mercy on us!” They followed Him right into the house – so He asked them the question that forms this week’s devotion – Do you believe I am able to do this?” Both men answered “Yes Lord, we do.” Because of their faith when Jesus touched them they could see.

John Newton talked of being healed of spiritual blindness. These two men needed, wanted and believed that Jesus could heal their physical blindness. Jesus does both, especially for those who have the faith to respond to the question “Do you believe I am able to do this?” Yes, Lord I do.

We live in a very troubled world right now. Made worse by the onslaught of information – some factual and some fake. But, Jesus’ question remains, “Do you believe, I am able to…? You fill in the blank. What do you need Jesus to do – physical healing, spiritual healing? Do you need courage or wisdom? Do you need some kind of proof that God is real? Do you, like John Newton need to make a deal with God in the midst of a storm?

Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – Do you believe that Jesus is able to…?