What Would You Ask of Jesus?

 May 4, 2024

Saturday

We have lots of fairy tales that give someone a wish. These stories were read to us and we read them for ourselves. It seemed wonderful to think that something could be given just for the wishing. We started asking and kept asking when we got older. Then, we quit.

We shouldn't have quit. We just should have changed who we were asking. God is the one who answers prayers. We should have become more discerning. We can't expect to get things that are against God's will. We can't rob the bank and pray that God will give us a fast getaway car. That would be inconsistent with God's character.

On the other hand, what would you ask of God if He asks?

Luke 18:35–43 (NASB 2020) ³⁵ Now as Jesus was approaching Jericho, a man who was blind was sitting by the road, begging. ³⁶ But when he heard a crowd going by, he began inquiring what this was. ³⁷ They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. ³⁸ And he called out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ³⁹ Those who led the way were sternly telling him to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁰ And Jesus stopped and commanded that he be brought to Him; and when he came near, He asked him, ⁴¹ “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, I want to regain my sight!”⁴² And Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your faith has made you well.” ⁴³ And immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.

Was the question Jesus asked necessary? Shouldn't anyone have known that a blind man would ask to have his sight restored? Maybe, but the blind man expressed his faith in the question. Blind men without faith in Jesus' ability would have asked for something any man could do.  (Mark gives the man the name of Bartimaeus.)  Bartimaeus believed Jesus was more than a man. 

Too often, we may ask Jesus for something that we could have received from any man. We will hold back from asking too much. It seems okay to ask for a new job. We are discouraged from asking for $100k to pay off our house. We desperately cry out for healing from cancer but we do so like we would buy a lottery ticket. It just might win but we have no faith that it will. We might be healed but we have no faith that we will.

So, what would you ask from Jesus if He stood before you and asked? Be careful, whatever you ask will reveal your faith in Him. What would be pleasing to Him and go beyond what any man could do? Don't hold back. Be willing to accept what He gives you. Then, make sure you follow Him.