URC Daily Devotion Saturday 26 March 2022

St Luke 18: 35 – 43

As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.’ Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’  Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Reflection

Today is two years to the day since the first Covid lockdown legally came into force. I am sure on the 26th March 2020, like me, some of you were blind to the fact that this lockdown was going to last as long as it did. I am sure we also had moments over the past two years when we have been like the blind man in today’s bible reading. This man, who in the book of Mark, is called Bartimaeus, was blind and unable to see Jesus. Were there ever times when you found it difficult to see Jesus, especially while hearing a lot of negative news on TV, radio, or on social media over the past two years? I know I did. However, just like the blind man, we have to ask “Lord, let me see again” when we are feeling blind to God’s work.

As we hopefully look towards our lives being a bit more normal, it is so easy to get caught up in our day to day lives whether that be at work, university, school or just socialising. In these moments we often forget or are even blind ourselves to seeing where God is playing a part. However, sometimes we do need to open our eyes and take some time out of our day to reflect as well as to have faith that God is there for Jesus says ‘your faith has saved you’. For example, over the rest of your day or weekend, are you planning to meet any friends or family for coffee or a meal? God will be there in those conversations!  

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
For you are good,
We come to you in need,
We come to you with faith,
We come to you knowing that you let the blind see
Open our eye’s lord to the things around us
And the word that you do
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen