Answers for Questions: Part 1 :)

This is a comment recently posted by my cousin after reading my post, Choose to Receive.  I wanted to include you in the discussion. :)

 

Okay Carey...forgive me once again as I'm behind on your posts, but I had to add some food for thought on this one! It is in my humble opinion as someone with a different faith, that this comment about your faith is based more on what I see as "rules not found in the bible". For example...drinking coffee, wearing special undergarments (sorry I don't know the correct word - not trying to be disrespectful), having to be married in the temple, etc... I view these things as ceremonies or rules that don't actually have any effect on your salvation and don't mean your are disobeying God or any of his commands if you do or don't do them. I have to say that I agree with you 100% that God's "lists" are commandments and NOT suggestions. And that although salvation is a free gift it is very important that after we receive it we take action and follow Christ by imitating Him just as He commanded. I fear that some Latter Day Saints might believe their salvation is tied to what clothes they wear of what liquids they drink and for me that is a sad life under the "law" rather than living in the freedom that Christ gives you. Christ never gives you the freedom to sin (disobey a commandment) but the freedom to live outside of the law (circumcision, eating certain foods, no longer sacrificing animals etc.). If you tie your salvation to rituals, clothing or drinks than you take away what Jesus did on the cross. The only way to heaven is not by works but by faith in Jesus, and even when I sin and disobey a command God is always there with open arms as I have a repentant heart and turn once again towards Him. And that's my two cents...hopefully without offending anyone! (-: As always I love you and love the conversation you create! 

What great questions!!!  Thank you so much for your candor!  I am really excited to get to elaborate on this a little further.  My goal is to answer your questions as guided by the spirit.  The challenge for me is to express the fulness of the concepts in question without becoming too long winded.  In an effort to do this- I am breaking my response into 2 posts... 1 for this week and 1 for next.  Before reading further, I invite you ask the Father to illuminate your mind with understanding and with a witness by the power of the Holy Spirit.  As always, please feel free to follow up with any questions that linger. :)

Basically it boils down to a couple of points.  

First, What is the definition of salvation?  

As a Latter-day Saint I would define it as the gift given by the Savior of everlasting life in a condition of glory.  It is my belief that most every human being will receive salvation.  Latter-day Saints believe in the doctrine referenced by Paul when he spoke of a man caught away into the third heaven.(2 Cor 12:2)  Simply put, there are 3 different degrees of glory possible for us to receive after we stand before the judgment bar.  The glory of the least of these kingdoms "surpasses all understanding".(D&C 76:89)  This is the salvation which I believe that those who reject Christ and His gospel will receive.  If I am understanding you correctly, you are asking about people who honor and love the Savior by living a life in harmony with the 10 Commandments.  If those who reject Christ receive the formerly mentioned glory, how unspeakable must the glory be that God has in store for those who are faithful in keeping the commandments? 

Second, Do Latter-day Saints practice religion not found in the Bible?   

The answer to this question lies in another.  

What does the Bible teach us that Christ's church looks like?  

As I study the Old Testament, I see that God spoke to His children in ancient times through prophets. Trusting that God is the same yesterday, today and forever... it makes sense to me that He would still use this pattern. Christ tells us that we can identify true prophets by their fruits. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit and neither can a false prophet. As I study the fruits of the spirit as identified by Paul in Galatians... I recognize them to be the fruits which have filled my life as I follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ as restored by Joseph Smith, continued on through the current prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

As I study the New Testament, I recognize the pattern which Christ himself established for His church to be the same one which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized by. Paul teaches that Christ's church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.(Ephesians 2:20) This is the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The study of the Bible is the study of people who had religion.  It is my testimony that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ today, and the religion documented in the Bible, is contained in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  I have conviction that following the direction of the prophet is one and the same with following the direction of God.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. 

Amos 3:7 

This means that when the prophet lays out the "do's" a "don'ts", I follow!  This isn't a sad life under the law, but rather a life filled with the priceless fruits of the spirit.  It is a life free of addiction and it's painful repercussions.  It is a life free from the bondage of sin.  It is a life filled with gratitude and respect for my precious body.  It is a life filled with constant reminders of the love my Father has for me and the love that I have for Him.  It is a life filled with power!  Power to choose for myself which blessings I want to receive.

 

 

Next week I will answer the question, "Why do Latter-day Saints follow rules not found in the Bible?" I will also discuss the specific practices you have asked about!!!  Hugs...

Just a Thought

This has been a very busy week for me!  I was hoping to have time to write my post today, but am just now getting to the computer and it is 10:00 at night!  So I thought I would simply share a scripture with you from my study of the book of Romans this week.  I love Paul... he is absolutely inspirational to me!  In Romans 12:1-2 he says,

I beseech you therefore, bretheren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to the world: but be ye transformed to the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

This week, I invite you to sincerely seek God's will in your life.  Ask Him how He would use you and what He would have you do.  Commit to follow through on the promptings you will receive.  Your will is the only thing you truly have to offer God.  I have found a deep sense of peace and fulfillment as I have made genuine effort to conform my will to His and to sacrifice my wants and needs to His vision.  I would love to hear about your experiences!  Have a beautiful week!!!

Is It I?

In the 26th chapter of Matthew we read the account of the Savior's last supper with His disciples before His Atonement and crucifixion.

20- Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

21- And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

22- And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, 

Lord, is it I?

It is deeply touching to me that each of the eleven, with great love for the Savior and awareness of their own weakness, would feel concern that the traitor could possibly be them self.  Doesn't it strike you that not even one of them said, "Is it Judas?  He totally seems like the traitor type!"  Their response serves as a great pattern for each of us who love and honor the Lord.  

Have you ever noticed how it is almost instinctive, when hearing a call to repentance, for your mind to immediately jump away from yourself over to another person in their perceived weakness?  Rather than openly and honestly take a look at your own human frailty, so frequently the enemy of your soul diverts your attention from your own shortcoming and turns a critical eye onto another.  In so doing, he not only succeeds at keeping you stuck in your own errant ways... he leads you to commit another sin of unrighteous judgment. 

I will never forget my father telling me of a time he had stewardship over a group of saints who were being torn apart by a particular sin.  One man, specifically, seemed to be the leader of this destructive practice.  My dad, knowing that he must call the group to repentance, prayerfully prepared a direct and pointed message.  He felt deep concern over the possible offense that could be taken by this man in particular.  Relying on the Lord, he stood before the body and delivered the inspired sermon.  After the meeting concluded, he sat at the front of the room and noticed the man walking toward him.  He silently prayed for guidance as he anticipated a difficult discussion.  To his surprise, the man shook his hand and said, "Thank you so much for that wonderful talk.  The whole time I couldn't help but wish that Sister So and So would have been here!  She really struggles with that!"  Dumbfounded, my dad quietly nodded and left shaking his head.  How blind we can be to our own weakness! 

The disciples example of, "Is it I?" is one of powerful trust in the merits of the Savior.  What grace! What power!... can come into our lives as we strive to honestly view our own human fallibility through the lens of Christ!  The desire to overcome our weakness, to do better, and to become a little more are met with a sense of sufficiency and hope which only Christ can give.  This introspective approach enables us to turn our weakness over to the Savior in exchange for His strength.   How blessed we are to be loved so completely by the incomparable Savior!

Dividing His Sheep from the Goats

I want to discuss with you one more parable the Savior gave to His disciples to help us prepare for His return.  Once again He illustrates the correlation between developing charity and being counted among His elect.

31- When the Son of man shall come in his glory...

32- And before him shall be gathered all nations:  and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33- And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34- Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35- For I was an hungred and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

37- Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty and gave thee drink?

40- And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41- Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42- For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

45- Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46- And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew 25

The distinguishing characteristic between the goats and the sheep is charity demonstrated through loving action.  The sheep cared for their fellow man and the goats did not.  It's as simple as that!  Isn't it funny how it always boils down to love?   

Why is this?  Love is the very essence of who God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ are.  If we want to dwell in their presence we must become like them.  Knowing that we are created not only in the image of God, but also in His likeness... we can trust that love is fundamental to who we are.  As we demonstrate our love for the Savior through obedience to His commands His love pours out freely upon us.  As we feel of His love, we can't help but internalize it.  Consequently, we become vehicles of Christ's love and it naturally extends to those around us through loving action.  Charity, the pure love of Christ, is the ultimate evidence of the converted heart.  Charity never faileth!

For more thoughts on Charity... check out my post "It's ALL about Love"

Oh Be Wise!

In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Christ gives a powerful parable stressing the importance of constant personal preparedness for His Second Coming.  The parable of the Ten Virgins is a warning for each of us that NOW is the time to prepare for His return.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” 

Matt. 25:1–13

What does the oil represent and How do I fill my vessel?
The oil is a representation of spiritual preparedness.  This type of oil is accumulated by righteous living, one choice at a time... one drop at a time.  As we exercise the faith necessary to walk in line with God's will, He in turn strengthens our faith and righteous living becomes natural and instinctive.  As we discussed last week, those who are prepared (the elect) are those who "hear the voice of God and harden not their hearts" and those who are filled with charity.  A life devoted to the becoming of these qualities is the life of filling one's vessel.

In this process, the fundamental need for the grace (enabling power) of Jesus Christ cannot be overstated!  Each of us will misstep at times.  I am SO grateful for a loving Father who tenderly beckons me back into His fold through the infinite Atonement of His Son.  Drawing on His grace is essential to filling my vessel.

Why didn't the wise share their oil?

"The wise were not unkind or selfish when they refused oil to the foolish in the moment of truth. The kind of oil needed by all of us to light up the darkness and illuminate the way is not shareable."

"How can one share the blessings that come through visiting the sick? How can one share in the blessings that come from assisting the widow or the fatherless? How can one share a personal testimony? How can one share the blessings of conference attendance? How can one share the lesson of obedience learned in living the principle of tithing? Certainly each must accumulate this kind of oil for himself. Let us not procrastinate. Midnight is so far and yet so close to those who have procrastinated. “But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure. …” (Hel. 13:38.) "

Marvin J Ashton, "A Time of Urgency"

Now is the time to prepare to meet God!  What a gift it is to live a life of devotion to the Father!  The peace and assurance that are born of this commitment are beyond price.  Don't be one who falls victim to the fallacy that midnight will never come.  While no man knows the day or hour that the Son will come... we can be certain that He indeed will return to redeem His people!  The signs He gave as a warning for those who would follow Him are upon us!  The responsibility to fill our lamps is one which we must not procrastinate.  Today is the day to seek His grace in walking in His will!

What Shall be the Sign of thy Coming?

In Matthew 24, the Savior lays out for His followers the signs which will fill the world before His Second Coming.  As you read through this list of precursors to His return, see if  you can find even one that isn't readily identifiable in our world today.

5- False Christ's will rise and deceive many.

6- There will be wars and rumors of wars.

7-There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.

9- Followers of Christ will be hated for His name's sake.

10- Many will be offended (think of our politically correct culture).

People will betray and hate one another.

11- False prophets will rise and deceive many.

12- Because of wickedness, the love of many will wax cold.

14- The gospel will be preached in all the world; 

and then shall the end come.

He goes on to comfort, assure, warn and counsel His faithful followers who will abide the day.

6- See that ye be not troubled.

15- When you see these signs, stand in the holy place.

22- Those days will be shortened for the sake of the elect.

28- Wheresoever the carcase (Christ's Church) is, there will the eagles (the elect) be gathered together.

Who are the elect? 

In D&C 29:7 we learn that the elect are those who hear the voice of God and harden not their hearts.

In Colossians 3:12-17, we learn that those who are filled with charity, the perfect love of Christ, are the elect.

Christ  tells us the signs of His coming because He wants ALL to be prepared for His return. It is up to each of us to do our part to be counted among the elect.  We must seek out holy places in which to stand.  Our own homes must become places of refuge from the deluge of filth so celebrated in society.  We must seek out true and pure sources of His voice and receive His word with gladness.  We must pray for God's grace in developing the pure love of Christ and then give our best effort in learning to love as He does. 

We are blessed to live in the last days before the Savior will return to redeem His people!  As we choose to stand with Christ, we choose to stand in His safe-keeping.  Over the next two weeks we will study out His admonition for those who will follow Him.

Choose to Receive!!!

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have heard many times from friends not of my faith, that mine is a religion which focuses too much on "doing" and not enough on "being".  This is a valid concern, which I am grateful that loved ones have shared so freely with me.  It is my hope today, to share with you my understanding of the companionship principles of "doing" and "becoming".

I believe that God calls His essential list of "dos" and "don'ts" Commandments, not suggestions, for a reason.  He knows that a life dedicated to this discipline, is one filled with joy and freedom from unnecessary bondage and misery.  In addition, Christ teaches,

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:15

Obedience is a demonstration of love for our Father in Heaven.


Towards the end of Christ's mortal ministry, He pronounced woes upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.  They did so many of the right things (i.e. tithed, fasted, prayed) for the completely wrong reasons.  In the 23rd chapter of Matthew, Christ condemns them saying,

5- All their works they do for to be seen of men
13- Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

  

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ invites us to do our alms in secret and not for the glory of men, affirming that our "Father, which seeth in secret, Himself shall reward thee openly".  From this we learn that the action, while essential, is merely a fraction of what He is looking for.  His focus is on the heart or the motivation behind our actions.  Do we do the right things so that others will think that God is first and foremost in our lives?  OR do we do the right things because God IS first and foremost in our lives?  It is possible to do all of the right things and still have your heart removed far from Him.

As a Latter-day Saint it is my life's purpose to learn of my Savior and to give my best effort in patterning my walk after His.  Ultimately, through His grace and mercy, I hope to one day become like Him.  This requires that I not only strive to follow what He did, but that I seek His grace in developing the internal virtue that motivated His actions.  As I study the life of the Savior, it becomes more clear that everything He did was motivated by Love.  Love of His Father... and Love for each of us.

 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

John 15:10

Here's the beautiful thing!  As we demonstrate our love for God through obedience, we choose to be in His presence and receive His love.  As we experience His love and goodness... our nature's are gradually changed and we become filled with His love.  This in turn springs up obedience from a  more sincere place.  It is a continual cycle which turns deeper and deeper into our souls.  God's love is unconditional but our ability to receive His love is not.  Receiving His love and goodness is a moment to moment choice.  As we make the effort, as flawed as it may be, His grace carries us the distance!

Come Forth!

In the 11th chapter of John, we read the account of Lazarus who was a dear friend of the Savior.  One day while Christ was with his disciples, Mary and Martha, Lazarus' sisters, sent for Him saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 

17- When Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.  

The sisters were distraught and Martha cried, 

21-Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 

25- Jesus said unto her,  I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 

When Mary heard that Christ had arrived she arose quickly and came unto him.  When she saw him, she too fell down at His feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  Jesus, hurting for his beloved friends wept.  

41- Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me...

43- And when He thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, 

Come Forth.

44- And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, 

Loose him, and let him go.

This story has powerful application for each of us!  For His friends, Christ performed this life restoring miracle.  How do we become friends of the Savior... so that we too can receive His life giving power in our lives?  In John 15:14 Christ teaches

Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 

Obedience demonstrates love for and devotion to Him.  Obedience indicates our desire to have His companionship and blessing in our lives.  As we become His friends we gain access to His power to free us from those things which bind us and ultimately bring death.  His invitation fills me with hope and assurance!  Christ invites us to leave the remnants of death behind and come to something far greater... Him!  In Him lies freedom and life... life here and now... and life everlasting!  

"The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men's lives.  As He said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: '...come forth.'  Come forth from the despair of doubt.  Come forth from the sorrow of sin.  Come forth from the death of disbelief.  
Come forth to a newness of life.  Come Forth!"

Thomas S. Monson "The Paths Jesus Walked"

The Eternities

I want to use today's post to respond to a question my cousin asked after reading the post "Our Father's Love" earlier this week.  She wrote...  

What do you mean by the word eternities? I know we have talked about having a different "language" within our different belief system. I was just wondering about your definition of this word. Thanks for your love and patience with me! Hugs, Erin

Thank you... thank you... THANK YOU Erin for your love and interest!  It touches my heart deeply that you would take the time to first of all read my blog and secondly engage in discussion about it! Historically, I have taken inquiries about my blog and have either written a personal email or had a phone conversation answering the question.  The spirit quickly directed me this time towards a written post.  One of my main goals with this blog is to open up discussion on the Savior and His gospel.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share a little of my heart with you about the Savior and today, specifically, concerning the eternities.  The question becomes... how in depth shall we go???  This post will give a basic overview of my belief as a Latter day Saint on the subject of eternal life.  I am always excited to go deeper if you would like.  Let me know!

The use of the word "eternities" as opposed to "eternity" in my mind simply emphasizes the infinite nature of time.  Everlasting to everlasting is a common phrase found in the scriptures illustrating this concept.  The present moment we are in lies smack in the middle of the eternities...infinite time before now and infinite time to come.  This life is merely a blip on the eternal timeline.  Each of us are here to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before God. (see Philipians 2:12 & Mormon 9:27)   We "are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil". (see 2Nephi 2:27-30)  The Father's ultimate goal is to make us joint-heirs with Christ, crowning us with His eternal glory. (see Romans 8:16-17)  I love the following words of Peter, which sum all of this up beautifully.  

   

5-... be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

10-  But the God of all grace who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 5

Mormons interpret this doctrine literally.  Ask yourself, 

"What is it that Christ has inherited and as a joint-heir with Him... what does that mean I will inherit?"

"What is the eternal glory of the Father that each of us are called to?"

Because of Christ's atoning sacrifice I can be made whole and become perfected like unto my Father.  Through the merits of He who is mighty to save, I can return to live with God my Father and pattern my eternity after His eternity... receiving His eternal glory.  I marvel at His love and goodness... His grace and mercy.  His generosity and vision for my life never cease to fill me with awe.  I truly am one who stands ALL amazed!

Abide With Me Tis Eventide

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

He Lives

Living Gratefully

Receiving Him Joyfully

My family and I are going on vacation!  For the month of July I will be posting short videos which inspire me.  In August I will resume writing posts each Sunday.  Happy Summer!!!

____________________________________________________

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press because he was little of stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfould.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:1-10 

I LOVE the energy and joy of this story.  I can't help but smile as I visualize Zacchaeus zipping about and perching in a tree.  The zeal with which he approached the Savior, I believe, was his existing life practice.  The fact that prior to meeting Christ he was already giving half his goods to the poor and restoring to any he had wronged four times that which he had taken, indicate to me an enthusiasm and love for goodness.  His outward action was evidence of the inward condition of his repentant heart.  Having cultivated a warm and receptive place within, he was able to receive the Savior... which, in turn, enabled the Savior to abide with him.  The Savior delights to bless and honor those who bless and honor Him.  Indeed He came to seek and to save that which was lost... which includes every single one of us... but He will never force Himself on anyone.  To be found by the Savior... we must seek Him.  

What is the press which blocks our view of Him?  Fear, struggle, addiction, peer opinion, temporal pursuits, and general busy-ness are a few to consider.  

How do we climb out of the press so that we can see Him... and in turn place ourselves in position to be seen of Him? 

Surely, Christ knew every person who was present in that crowd... but it was the one who demonstrated the desire to see Him with whom the Savior said he "must abide".  Notice that the reality of the press didn't disappear, Zacchaeus simply made the the effort to rise above it.  

A beautiful truth that I have learned is that as I seek the Savior, He helps me to identify those things in my life which block my view of Him.  He then illuminates my mind as to where I can find the tree to climb up and out.  Climbing is always work, but without exception He is there to lift and aid me in my struggle to rise above. 

He Cried So Much The More

Towards the end of the Savior's earthly ministry, Christ and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem.  As they passed through Jericho, they encountered large crowds of people wanting to see Jesus.  The following account of a faith-filled blind man and the Savior, Jesus Christ, has become one of my very favorite stories!

Luke 18: 35-43

And it came to pass, that as he (Jesus) was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight thy faith hath saved thee.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

I LOVE, love... LOVE this man!  He is an amazing example of fierce focus on the ONE who is mighty to save!  At the moment he realizes that the Savior is present... the contempt and scorn of his peers fades away to it's proper place on the heap of meaningless, periphery opinion.   He pursues the Savior, who in reality means everything, with indomitable tenacity!  Because of his clear vision he arrives at the feet of the Savior and receives healing not only of his physical... but more significantly of his spiritual self.  I love the picture the words in this account paint of his character... "immediately", "received", "followed", "glorifying".  I especially love that those who had sneered at him also had their vision enlarged.  As they witnessed the fruits of this man's faith and determination they too were led to praise God.

When we lay our trust squarely at the feet of the Savior... not only are our own lives infinitely blessed by His presence...  our very existence becomes a witness to others of the glory and goodness of God.  For this, I praise His most holy name!!!