I’ve been looking at the life of Jesus, and in Matthew there is a repeated quote from people who approached him: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” I find that interesting that it is repeated in several stories involving various situations.
This request shows two things about those who were approaching Jesus:
- They recognized him as Messiah, who would come through the lineage of David.
- They acknowledged his power as the son of the Most High God.
In response, they express their faith in his great power. What does this indicate? Jesus’ power was greater than these peoples’ needs. In their time of neediness, each of these characters express complete faith in his power — no holding back in their requests.
How does Jesus respond? He pays attention to every one of these requests by acting in his power: casting out demons, curing the sick, literally bringing dead people back to life. Lame people walk, blind people see, one who’s been hemorrhaging for 12 years stops bleeding, …just for the asking, just for believing.
This is not merely history. We can ask the same question: What is the implication for us? Today, knowing that Jesus never changes, and he resides within us, I wonder how he would exhibit his power within us, just for the acknowledging, just for the asking.
If I’m not careful, I tend to get so wrapped up in the events of life that I forget who I am as a child of God. It takes some intentional thinking to move past my strong inner emotions and run into the power of Jesus living within me.
Do you find yourself in similar struggles? Here’s a promise to help move us toward his power: “…God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13)
Pay attention!
- Be intentional to LOOK AROUND for the activity of God in your own life and in the lives of others.
- Take the time to LOOK UP and call on his power that is greater than you.
- LOOK IN. Exercise your faith by acknowledging his power.
When we pay attention, we find ourselves listening with fresh ears, looking with clear eyes, seeing God in sharper focus. Maybe our looking can become a launching point to bring ourselves intentionally into the presence of God.
After all, He’s always paying close attention to us.