Beggars Can Be Choosers

August 17

(Luke 18:40-43 NIV) ““Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, {41} "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. {42} Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." {43} Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.””

(Luke 23:39-43 NIV) ““One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” {40} But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  {41} We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”” {42} Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” {43} Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.””

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Beggars can’t be choosers.” Christ teaches otherwise. Jesus asked the blind beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” The beggar said, “Lord, I want to see.” The blind beggar became a chooser. He chose not to let Jesus just pass by. He chose to cry out. He chose to persist in verbalizing his request. Jesus then spoke the words and the man was healed. In a short sentence, the blind beggar declared his faith, and in a short sentence, Jesus changed his life forever. Maybe it’s time for you to quit begging and become a chooser. Are you desperate? The blind man certainly was. He cried out to God, because no one else could save him. Desperation is often at the root of faith. That is why desperate people often become healed and saved people. If you qualify as a “desperate beggar” today, call on Jesus. Beggars can be choosers. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day