DO YOU BELIEVE?
03rd Apr 2019
We find recorded in Matthew 9:28 a question that Jesus asked, and I believe is still asking. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” The context is - two blind men have heard that Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead; hope that He could heal them rises in their hearts and they begin to follow Him crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David?”
They can’t see, for them following the crowd on unmade roads must have taken a great effort, draining them physically and emotionally. Jesus stops and goes inside a house and they follow Him, and He sees their need. He doesn’t ask what do you want me to do? - His question is far more penetrating, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They are in intimate contact with Jesus; they had heard the reports of what He has done. His presence and attention to them has given them hope, and even though they couldn’t see Him; His voice, its tone and tenderness caused them to answer, “Yes, Lord.”
As I ponder this incident I find it amazing. They cannot see, but by hearing His voice, He communicates His love, compassion, willingness, ability, excitement, hope and faith is released. He then touched their eyes and and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored.
Job 42:1-6 says, “My ears have heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” In The Message it says, “I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumour.” These two blind men had resolved to encounter Jesus and beg Him for mercy and help. They heard the question which He is still asking, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” whatever the “this” is?
Jesus is still responding when faith is evident. I see so much need around me and people are constantly asking me to pray for them, and I am seeking for a gift of faith to be able to answer “Yes” all the time.
Push into following Jesus today, however hard it may be. He is the only One with the power to meet your need. Come close enough to hear His voice, experience His presence, find faith released, encounter His Almighty power and receive your miracle.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
