I’m always fascinated by the story of the blind man in Mark 10 (also Luke 18).

When he heard that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by, he began to shout “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me now in my affliction. Heal me!” Those in the crowd were indignant and scolded him for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might, “Son of David, have mercy on me now and heal me!” (Mark 10.47, 48, Passion Translation)

This time I noticed the ruckus that he made. “He began to shout…” and he was scolded “for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might…”

Now Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to do something very important! But he stopped.

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him to come to me.” So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus. Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man replied, “My Master, please, let me see again!” Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.” All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him. (Mark 10.49 – 52, Passion Translation)

What do I want so badly that I’m willing to make a little noise either literally or metaphorically? Do I cry out for the lost or straying people in my life? Am I begging for more influence? For men to invest time in so they can become disciple-makers? Or do I think I have everything I need already?

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! (1 Chronicles 4.10, NIV)

We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged. (2 Corinthians 10.15, ESV)

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (Revelation 3.17, ESV)