Get at it soldier, don’t wait to start!
The war is on-going against blindness of heart!
God blessed King David with the promise of an everlasting kingdom, through a descendant to come. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. (2 Samuel 7:16). There are good and bad things to be learned from the great King David, but what about the King’s descendant? Today, we focus on that “son” of David who did indeed arrive and establish an eternal throne that will never be destroyed. David lived approximately 1,000 years before the arrival of Jesus. New Testament scripture refers to Jesus as the son of David 17 times. What, then, is the significance of Him being the Son of David?
And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside 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.
There are only two New Testament stories that involve the city of Jericho. One is about Zacchaeus, and the other is this blind man. Help for this poor man would come only by the kindness of family members or by begging. As Jesus approached the city of Jericho, there were throngs following Him and enough noise to attract attention and indicate that someone important was passing by. This particular blind man cried out to Jesus, the son of David. Even after being rebuked by those around him, this beggar persisted. He had a need. Being reprimanded to be quiet made this beggar all the more loud. What is the significance of this social outcast calling on the son of David?
The Son of David would come in the authority of a King, not just an earthly one, but with the authority of the throne of Heaven. He would create justice, restore the fallen, and answer the desperate needs of His people by healing what needed to be healed.
Knowing the truth of God’s Word - As polluted as the religious system of the time may have been with man-made doctrines created by the Pharisees and Sadducees, the true words of scripture were still known - at least, it seems, by this blind man. And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. (Isaiah 29:18). May we have such confidence and knowledge in the word of God and His promises! Do you think of the Bible as just stories, or are you willing to try them out and find the truth?
Believing the Word of God -There is a difference between knowing and believing. Calling on the son of David shows anticipation (hope) that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah. Where else could the blind man turn? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68). Despite the reprimand and because of his need, the beggar persisted. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20).
Putting what you believe in action - The Son of David is a descendant of Abraham, Judah, and David. Genesis predicted: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.(Genesis 3:15). Isaiah prophesied about a virgin bringing forth a Son, who would be “God with us.” Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14). If you were checking off boxes to verify Jesus’ fulfilling the scriptural qualifications, this would be check, check, and check again! Nothing is impossible for God. He delights in showing that he is beyond our comprehension!
God is Faithful -The King was to come, the son of David is the one that would die for His people, make right all the wrongs, and defend with all authority and power. The blind man was looking for that King to both heal his disease and to free his nation. Do you stand firmly on the words of scripture as truth, despite how you feel or what you cannot yet understand? Who are you loyal to -Yourself, the world, or the King of Kings?
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.
Jesus is the creator of David, and He came from Heaven to save us as David’s descendant. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. (Revelation 22:16).
When Jesus heard the faith-filled, earnest cry, He stopped. In this situation, Jesus spoke directly to the beggar to ask what he wanted. What do you want? Do you need salvation, security, self-control, joy? The blind man wanted his most immediate need met. Our most immediate need is the repair of our heart, which is blinded by sin. As in this account of physical blindness, our blindness of heart leaves us begging outside the graciousness and blessing of God. Jesus commented that this man was healed of his blindness because of his faith. He didn’t have to work to obtain his sight. He just needed to believe that God was able. What happened next? The beggar followed Jesus. He glorified God. His healing caused others to praise God. Our Jesus, the Son of David, is gracious and hears the cries of his people.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.(Hebrews 4:15-16). He is a loving and long-suffering King.
King David is known as the man after God’s own heart, the sweet psalmist of Israel, and a just King. David was respectful to the Godly anointing of others, like King Saul, despite his treatment of him. Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of David’s promise of a descendant whose rule and reign shall never end. Jesus shows us the price He is willing to pay to be this King, at the Cross of Calvary. Do you know Him? Can you praise Him and give others a reason to praise this King? Have you received blessings? Do you recognize their source? But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Don’t stop at the getting of salvation. Following daily with praise and leading others to Him. He still heals (especially the blindness of hearts) today - but we must tell the lost about Him! The noise of our praise will let the world know that a Savior is passing by.
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!