Blind Ambition.

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. Luke 18:39

This year more than 100,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 28 auditioned to be a contestant on the American Idol TV Show. The show’s 12 producers narrowed this group down to 1,000 and then to 250. The 250 contestants were seen by the shows judges and pared down to the smaller group who will be part of the TV program. The winner will receive a million dollar record contract. Many of the shows contestants are interviewed on air talking about how important it is for them to get “discovered” and to win the competition. There are many emotional moments as contestants give their all in their attempts to succeed. As Christians, we would do well to seek to serve God with the same fervor as we seek recognition.

The 18th chapter of Luke tells the story of a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging. He hears a crowd and asks what is going on. When he hears that Jesus is passing by he starts to yell for Jesus to have mercy on him. The more that the people around him tell him to be quiet, the more he cried out to Jesus. Jesus hears him and heals him. We chase temporal things we desire with greater intensity than we exhibit when we seek God. Yet, no one can help us like God can. As you think about the difficult circumstances you face, think about the blind man beside the road who would not stop yelling to Jesus for help.

My hope for you today is that you are prepared to pray until help comes.

Deacon Larry Woodard