THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

204"And He [Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live forthemselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again" (2 Co 5:15).THE BEGGAR’S RESPONSE: PRAISE (18:43)The blind beggar received his sight and praised God along with the crowd:“ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. Whenall the people saw it, they also praised God” (v. 43).Bartimaeus and the crowd saw the finger of God in what was done and they gave Himthat praise which was due to his name. The Pharisees either did not see or would notacknowledge this. The common people are often better judges of the work of God than thedoctors themselves. They are simpler and thus are not puffed up with the pride of learning. Thismakes them less liable to be warped by prejudice or self-interest.Jesus performed more miracle of this kind than of any other (Mt 9:27-31;12:22; 21:14;8:22-25; Mk 8:22-26;10:46-52; Lk 7:21; 18:35; Jn 9:1-7; Acts 3:1-10). Giving sight to the blindwas predicted as a Messianic activity (Isa 28:18; 35:5; 42:7; Lk 4:18). Thus these miracles werefurther evidence that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn 20:31).APPLICATION: JESUS’ OFFERHave you been healed by Jesus? If not, do you want to be healed? Really? Not justphysical healing, but more important, spiritual healing.God offers healing physically, emotionally/psychologically, and spiritually. Accept Hisfree gifts. They are yours for the taking.Do you want to get well? Are you willing to give up those things that cause you to beless than what God calls you to be. Turn loose of the rice in the coconut! Do you want to behealed? God is the Healer—physically, emotionally and spiritually.Even before you knew God's name, before you were born, before you were a thought inyour parent's mind, God loved you. God became man and died on the cross for you. Godprovided for your freedom long before you were even born. His invitation goes out to you thismorning.Do you want to be healed?