Friday, April 4, 2025

Listen to the Word

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (Matthew 20:31)

Two blind men sitting by a roadside heard that Jesus was passing by on his final approach to Jerusalem. They recognized their need, and Jesus’ power, and Jesus’ willingness to help, so they called out to Jesus. “The crowd” didn’t enjoy the racket and told them to pipe down. But they just got louder with their praises and their pleas.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is to ignore “the crowd” – to stop worrying about what is popular and do what is right. It might not be fashionable to pray; you should pray anyway. Telling your friend about a blessing God has given you might not earn you any cool points; you should tell them anyway. Choosing to use your money generously rather than selfishly might limit your pile of trendy stuff; you should be generous anyway.

Impressing the crowd is overrated. Let’s join the two blind men in making a ruckus for Jesus!

Live the Word

Is there a person or group whose opinion of you matters more than it should? Ask God to set you free from your bondage to their approval.