When Jesus Passes By (Lu. 18:35-36; 19:1-4)

Read Luke 18:35-36; 19:1-4. 

The two characters are Bartimaeus (name gleaned from Mark's account) and Zacchaeus.

1.  The blind beggar, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out to Him (Lu. 18:35-36).
2.  The tax collector, hearing that Jesus was passing by, climbed into a tree to see Him (Lu. 19:1-4).
3.  What will you do when Jesus passes by?  Will you just let Him pass by?  Will you disrupt your ordinary behavior?  Will you heighten your expectation?  Will you do whatever it takes to engage Him?

Ordinary (Lu. 18:35-42)

Read Luke 18:35-42. 

Structure:

• Nothing out of the ordinary (Lu. 18:35) > a blind man's begging
• Something out of the ordinary (Lu. 18:36) > a crowd's passing
• Someone out of the ordinary (Lu. 18:37) > a Savior's coming
• Something more than the ordinary (Lu.18:38-39) > a blind man's shouting
• His shouting got the attention of the crowd.
• His shouting got the attention of the Lord.
• Something beyond the ordinary (Lu. 18:40-43) > a blind man's healing
• Compassion (Lu. 18:40)
• Clarification (Lu. 18:41)
• Cause (Lu. 18:42)
• Consequences (Lu. 18:43)
• Receiving
• Following
• Glorifying
• Praising

Observations:

• What warped thinking can be entertained!  It was okay for the blind man to be at his assigned, place begging, but it wasn't okay for him to present his need to Jesus?
• How sad that the blind man was the only one who "saw" the opportunity.  How come no one else thought, "Why don't we bring him to Jesus?"
• Your greatest obstacle to receiving from Jesus might be the behavior, attitude, and selfishness of other believers.  Ouch.
• Some people would rather watch a parade than witness a miracle. Following the 'order of service' has hindered more moves of the Holy Spirit than perhaps anything else.  Don't become allergic to orderly disruption.
• Jesus will stand up for you when no one else will (Lu. 18:40).
• When you call for Jesus, He will call for you.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 7)

Conclusion:

At the end of the story, Bartimaeus was healed. “Immediately he regained his sight . . .” (Mk. 10:52). To what did Jesus attribute this recovery of sight? Faith. “Go; your faith has made you well.” (Mk. 10:52).

Bartimaeus leaves us with one last lesson. When you don't “see” Jesus, testify until you can verify. When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances, affirm your faith until it is rewarded.

Let's review the six affirmations.

• I don't see Him, but I know He's near me.
• I don't see Him, but I've heard about Him.
• I don't see Him, but I can call out to Him.
• I don't see Him, but I know He hears me.
• I don't see Him yet, but I will.
• I don't see Him, but I will respond quickly when He calls me.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 6)

Affirmation #6. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I WILL RESPOND QUICKLY WHEN HE CALLS ME.

“Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.” (Mk. 10:50).

When did Bartimaeus come to Jesus? He came when Jesus called Him. Jesus still calls blind people to come to Him! Oh, they aren't necessarily physically blind, but they are spiritually blind.

• They don't “see” that they are sinners in need of Jesus, the only One who can save them from sin, death and hell.
• They don't “see” that all their good works done over the years will never be adequate to earn them a place in heaven.
• They don't even “see” that this entire discussion is worth having!

 Perhaps you are the one Jesus is calling right now! 

When did Bartimaeus come to Jesus?  He came when Bartimaeus was still blind. Jesus didn't wait for him to pull himself together and get things right before calling. Just as Jesus took Bartimaeus 'as is' – blind, poor, wretched --, He calls to you and says, “Come as you are, and I'll take it from there.”

How did Bartimaeus come to Jesus?  The Bible says that“ . . . he jumped up . . .”

• There was no hesitation.
• There was no postponement in order to get a second opinion or think it over.
• This was his moment, and it would be now or never.
• “Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” (2 Cor. 6:2).

Pastor, I'm already a believer in Jesus, so what does this point have to do with me? Notice that, after Bartimaeus called to Jesus, Jesus called for him. When you call to Jesus, you should expect to hear from Him! After all, that is God's promise: “Call to Me and I will answer you . . .” (Jer. 33:3a). When you hear from Jesus, you should respond quickly.

There's a day that's drawing near When this darkness breaks to light And the shadows disappear And my faith shall be my eyes
I will rise when He calls my nameNo more sorrow, no more pain¹

1“I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin from the album “Hello Love” http://www.klove.com/music/artists/chris-tomlin/songs/i-will-rise-lyrics.aspx (accessed 7-13-16)

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 5)

Affirmation #4. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I KNOW HE HEARS ME.

“ . . . he kept crying out all the more, “ Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk. 10:48).

Bartimaeus' blindness didn't interfere with his boldness. This is the second mention of his crying out. It had more urgency, intensity, desperation and volume than the first.

Why did Bartimaeus think he had to be intense? He wasn't shouting because he thought Jesus couldn't hear; he was shouting to make sure he was heard above the crowd. Today we say, “He got into it” or “He poured out his heart.”

We know that, indeed, Jesus heard Bartimaeus. “And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” (Mk. 10:49).

Just because you don't see Jesus doesn't mean He can't hear you. Just because you don't see things clearly during a trial doesn't mean Jesus wrote you off. “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psa. 34:15).

Affirmation #5. I DON'T SEE HIM YET, BUT I WILL.

Bartimaeus didn't let his present dictate his future. He didn't see Jesus right then and there, but his faith held on that that would change soon. In fact, Jesus mentioned Bartimaeus' faith.“Go; your faith has made you well.” (Mk. 10:52). What kind of faith? Faith that was not shut down by blindness.

Are you having a hard time seeing Jesus in your situation right now? Do you look only to this day or are you looking also for that day? How many know what I mean by “that day”? Poets and songwriters know how to say it better.

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
'Even so' it is well with my soul.¹

The event referred to is called The Rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).  I don't see Him yet, but I will!

1Spafford, Horatio G. “It Is Well With My Soul.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #316.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 4)

Affirmation #3. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I CAN CALL OUT TO HIM.

“When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk. 10:47)

Bartimaeus thought, “I don't see Jesus, but there is nothing wrong with my voice.”

• Notice that he called to the right person. (Jesus)
• Notice that he called for the right thing. (mercy)
• Notice that he called at the right time. (while Jesus was near)
• Notice that he called with the wrong credentials. (blind, beggar, bother)

From Bartimaeus' example, we glean some wonderful lessons.

• When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstance, speak His name. “No other name I know that can calm your fears and dry your tears and wipe away your pain. When you don't know what else to pray, when you can't find the words to say, say the name.”¹
• When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstance, tell Him what you need.
• When you don't “see” Jesus, be careful that what is wrong with your circumstances doesn't blind you to what is right about His capability.

1Munizzi, Martha and Clint Brown. “Say The Name.” CCLI Song 33441709. © 2001 Martha Munizzi Music.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 3)

Affirmation #2. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I'VE HEARD ABOUT HIM.

“When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene . . .” (Mk. 10:47).

Bartimaeus must have heard something about Jesus that the others hadn't. When he asked what was happening, people in the crowd called Jesus “the Nazarene.” That was true. Jesus was from Nazareth.

Notice what Bartimaeus called Jesus.

• He called Jesus “Son of David” (Mk. 10:47, 48). That referred to Jesus as Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One.
• He called Jesus “Rabboni” (Mk. 10:51). That referred to Jesus as Teacher.

For a guy who never met Jesus, Bartimaeus said good things about Him, didn't he? We are not told how Bartimaeus first heard about Jesus. What is important is that he did hear about him. What he heard about Jesus was captivating!

How about you? What have you heard about Jesus? Who is Jesus to you? That is the question Jesus asked His disciples (Mt. 16:13-16).

I don't “see” Him, but I've heard about Him. Here is what I can tell you: In Christ We Have . . .

• A love that can never be fathomed.
• A life that can never die.
• A righteousness that can never be tarnished.
• A peace that can never be understood.
• A rest that can never be disturbed.
• A joy that can never be diminished.
• A hope that can never be disappointed.
•  A glory that can never be clouded.
• A light that can never be darkened.
•  A purity that can never be defiled.
• A beauty that can never be marred.
•  A wisdom that can never be baffled.
• Resources that can never be exhausted.1

1“In Christ We Have.” http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/c/christ.htm (accessed 7-12-16)

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 2)

Affirmation #1. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I KNOW HE'S NEAR ME.

“And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.” (Mk. 10:46).

When Jesus was leaving Jericho, he had to walk past where Bartimaeus was sitting. Bartimaeus knew someone special was nearby, since he asked what the fuss was about. Imagine his delight when he realized Jesus was that close! He couldn't see Jesus, but he knew Jesus was near.

Do you get where I'm going with this? There are times in life when you don't “see” Jesus, so you wonder, “Is He just 'up there' or is He 'right here'?” During such times, you should remind yourself, “I can't see Him, but I know He's near me.”

Illustrations

• You don't see electricity, but you know it is near you, since light appears when you flip the switch.
• You don't see oxygen, but you know it is near you, since you just took your next breath.
• You don't see wind, but you know it is near you, since you feel it in your face.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Read Mark 10:46-52.

The catalyst in the story of Bartimaeus is that he couldn't see. Reading the story, we discover that . . .

• His hearing seemed to be fine.
• His voice seemed to be strong.
• He wasn't afraid to defy the crowd.
• His mobility wasn't limited.
• He wasn't afraid to respond appropriately to Jesus' grace.

Strong as Bartimaeus was in many ways, one thing limited him:  he couldn't see. That means he couldn't see Jesus.

Aren't there times in life when you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances or surroundings? In most areas of life you are strong, but in that “one area” your temporary inability to “see” Jesus can strip mine your strength and joy.

You've been around long enough to know that you don't quit on Jesus when you don't “see” Him in your circumstances. You don't “see” Him, but that doesn't mean He isn't there, right? Deuteronomy 31:6 tells you as much. (“He will not fail you or forsake you.”)  In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised that He would be “with you always.”

Other than quoting Bible verses, which is a great place to start, what should you do when you don't

“see” Jesus in your circumstances? When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances, you should exercise and strengthen your faith. Remind yourself of truth that you know. In other words, affirm your faith.

In this series of posts, I want to address this subject: affirmations that strengthen your faith.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 7)

Conclusion:

Jesus doesn't want you to be disillusioned by your walk with Him. From Bartimaeus we discovered realistic expectations for walking with Jesus.  When you walk with Jesus, you can expect . . .

• Difficulty (Jn. 16:33).
• Division (Lu. 12:51-53).
• Denial (Lu. 9:23).
• Discomfort (Mt. 8:20).
• Dependence (Jn. 15:5).
• Death (Lu. 9:23).

That's not a very good sales job, is it? If I were selling cars, I'd be fired for trying to talk a potential buyer out of a deal. To some, it might seem as if I'm talking people out of following Jesus.  No, that's not the case at all.  

Since the cost of following Jesus is high, you should evaluate why you do it.  I just think you should know that walking with Jesus is not the cake walk some false prophets said it would be.  I just think that if you're going to follow Jesus, you should do it for the right reasons.

• Reason #1:  It is the natural continuation for those who have repented of their sins and asked Christ to forgive them.  Repentance is the start, not the finish. Those who receive Christ, Colossians says, should walk in Him.
• Reason #2:  Jesus heard your heart's cry, touched you, made you whole and changed you. You should follow Him because you are transformed by grace, overwhelmed by mercy, compelled by gratitude, and don't want to ever go back to your old life.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 6)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DEPENDENT WALK.

If there was ever an example of a faith walk, Bartimaeus is it. Consider what Bartimaeus didn't have when he started walking with Jesus.

• He didn't have his cloak (Mk. 10:50).
• He didn't have any food or water (at least that we know about).
• He didn't have any guarantee of safety.
• He didn't have any spending money (at least that we know about).
• He didn't have time to say goodbye to those who mattered most in his life. (Perhaps that is a good thing, since discussing matters with his family might have discouraged him from following Jesus.)

Is there anything that Bartimaeus did have when he started walking with Jesus?  Yes. Bartimaeus had trust.

• He trusted that the One who healed him could still help him.
• He trusted that the One who performed one miracle could perform another.
• He trusted that the One who touched him once (Mt. 20:34) could touch him again.
• He trusted that Jesus had more grace, mercy, forgiveness and wisdom to give.

Remember, Christians don't walk by comfort, convenience or logic; rather, “ . . . we walk by faith, not by sight . . .” (2 Cor. 5:7). The faith walk is a walk of dependence.

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DELIGHTFUL WALK.

What made his walk delightful?  The Company – He was walking with King Jesus!

Pastor, I thought you said earlier that Bartimaeus' walk was difficult? How can it be both difficult and delightful? (Jn. 16:33)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 5)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DEFINED WALK.  His input about the route, incline and pace wasn't solicited.

There was a specific road that Bartimaeus walked.

• It was an uphill road.  Remember, it was a 15-mile ascent to Jerusalem.
• It was a dangerous road.  We know this from Jesus' story about the Good Samaritan (Lu. 10:30-37). “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.” (Lu. 10:30)
• It was a chosen road. Bartimaeus didn't choose the road; Jesus did.

There was a specific pace that Bartimaeus walked.  He kept in step with the pace that Jesus set. Whatever else you do, stay close beside Jesus!

• Don't get ahead of Him. That's how you end up with regret.
• Don't lag behind Him. That's how you end up with discouragement.
• Do walk alongside Him. That's how you end up with joy.

When you walk side by side with Jesus, you'll be . . .

• Close enough to experience His blessing.
• Close enough to hear His teaching.
• Close enough to receive His wisdom.
• Close enough to discern His will.
• Close enough to sense His direction.
• Close enough to know His heart.

There was a specific destination to which Bartimaeus walked.  He was going where Jesus was going. Where, exactly, was Jesus going? He was going to Jerusalem.

• He was not going to an oasis, a campground or a spa.
• He was not going there to get pampered but to get pummeled.

Walking with Jesus is an invitation to die! “And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'” (Lu. 9:23)

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 4)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DIVISIVE WALK.

By following Jesus, Bartimaeus had to leave behind certain people, places and preferences. He couldn't stay where he was and walk with Jesus at the same time. He knew that motion and inertia cannot coexist.

Following Jesus causes division (Lu. 12:51-53). One of the hardest things about following Jesus is that you might have to lose some friends (2 Cor. 6:14-15). Now that you have met Jesus, you can no longer do what your friends do, go where they go, think what they think, and talk like they talk. The difference that Jesus has already made in you causes them severe internal agitation.

Does this mean that you, as a believer in Jesus, must sever all relationship with unbelievers?

• If it is a dating or engagement relationship, yes.
• If it is a marriage relationship, no.
• What about other relationships?
• How will an unbeliever hear about Jesus unless a believer tells him? (Rom. 10:14).  Just make sure that you are influencing the unbeliever and not vice versa.  Just make sure that you are giving your testimony, not losing it.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 3)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DIFFICULT WALK.  What made his walk so difficult?

The first thing that made Bartimaeus' walk so difficult was that he experienced an incline.  Bartimaeus realized quickly what we disciples of Jesus today also realize early on – that walking with Jesus is profitable though not always pleasurable. The journey from Jericho to Jerusalem was a 15-mile ascent.  Though Jesus is always excellent company, walking with Him is consistently not easy.  Jesus Himself warned about persecution that would arise “because of the Word” (Mt. 13:21). When you walk with Jesus, you are on the stairmaster; there is no escalator. (That is, until the Rapture happens!)

The second thing that made Bartimaeus' walk so difficult was that he saw decline. Many people followed Jesus out of Jericho. I wonder, “How many of those who started the walk finished it?” No doubt, some of them did finish and were involved welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem during the event we know as 'The Triumphal Entry'. Sadly, some who welcomed Him on Sunday would call for His crucifixion later that week.

In case you haven't experienced this yet, it is a disappointing and painful thing to watch people start enthusiastically with Jesus, only to fade out when more convenient options come along. When this happens, what is a journeyman with Jesus to do? Exactly this – keep your eyes on Jesus and follow Him wherever He goes. If you don't keep your eyes on Jesus, then you will become angry, bitter and disillusioned.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 2)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DETERMINED WALK.

When did Bartimaeus begin to walk with Jesus? “Immediately he regained his sight and began following [Jesus] on the road” (Mk. 10:52b).

• For Bartimaeus, it was only natural to walk with the One who had healed him.
• For Bartimaeus, it was only natural to keep his eyes on the One who had given him sight.

While Bartimaeus' miracle was physical, your primary miracle is spiritual. Never forget that your salvation is a miracle!

• Unless God Himself had intervened, you could never be saved.
• Unless God Himself had intervened, you would never see clearly.

Before Jesus encountered you, your heart was darkened (Rom. 1:21) and your understanding was too (Eph. 4:18).  Not only that, but “you were dead in your trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). 

Bartimaeus teaches us that motion follows the miracle. In other words, those who receive from Jesus should walk with Jesus (Col. 2:6-7). You could also state it this way: discipleship follows decision. Jesus has too many self-professed “followers” who have made Him an occasional Sunday morning hobby but not a lifestyle. He has too many who have shown an interest but not much determination.

Have you received Christ Jesus as Lord? Then walk, brother, walk! Walk, sister, walk! You will not walk with Jesus if you will not.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Context: Read Mark 10:46-52.

I'm going to deal specifically with thoughts that stem from the second half of verse 52. More exactly, thoughts about walking with Jesus.

In California two litters of mountain lion kittens were discovered recently.¹  What happens to their cuteness once they are fully grown? For ranchers and farmers, mountain lions can be a nuisance and detriment.

Did you ever have a thought or reaction to something, only to change it later? There are people who had an initial idea about walking with Jesus, only to have that concept be radically redefined in short order. Some weren't prepared for the smack of reality that would uppercut them. Walking with Jesus stopped being "cutesy" in a hurry!

I want to write on this subject: expectations of walking with Jesus. Exactly what kind of walk is it? Let's lean in to God's Word this morning as we consider six things that can be said about Bartimaeus' walk with Jesus.

• If you are a believer in Jesus, then you should resonate with what you're about to hear.
• If you're not yet a believer in Jesus, then you need to know that He isn't out to sucker you. He wants you to know exactly what's what when it comes to serving Him.

1Trib.al/C8ZoN23  (accessed 7.9.16)

When Jesus Stopped (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 7)

Conclusion:

May you be a person whose faith endures and never quits. Why? Jesus will stop for faith that will not.

• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be silent.
• It will not be silent about any lack but will admit it.
• It will not be silent about the Lord but will worship Him.
• Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David.”
• Bartimaeus called Jesus “Rabboni.”
• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be satisfied.
• It will not be satisfied with yesterday's experience.
• It will not be satisfied with another's experience.
• It will not be satisfied with cessationist excuses.
• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be sidetracked.
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by the magnitude of the need.
• Bartimaeus was blind; he had no sight, therefore he groped around and tripped up often.
• Bartimaeus was a beggar: he had no livelihood, therefore he begged in order to eke out an existence.
• Bartimaeus was a bother: he had no direction, therefore, wherever he went he had to be led. Not only that, but he wouldn't be quiet when he was told to be.
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by any insensitivity from the crowd.
• Isn't it telling that it was religious people who told the man with the most urgent need to be quiet?
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by the allure of worldly comfort.
• Bartimaeus left his cloak behind.

Chorus: “Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.

              You'll find He's not too busy to hear your heart's cry.

              He's passing by this moment, your need to supply.

              Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.”

Your faith had a starting point, but is your faith still in motion? Are you still following Jesus? Has inertia gotten the best of your early, quick start? It is never too late to end faith's coffee break and get back to the privileged work of following. Jesus stops for a faith that will not.

Wherever you are, make an altar.  Bend before the Lord. By putting your body in motion, you are declaring that you are putting your faith in motion too.

• Come, believing that Jesus will notice your audacious, persistent faith.
• Come, believing that Jesus will not pass you by.
• Come, having something specific you will ask Jesus to do for you.

When Jesus Stopped (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 6)

7. FAITH THAT WILL NOT STOP ISN'T SATISFIED BY A MIRACLE. “Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” (Mk. 10:52).

After Bartimaeus received his sight, he _____?  He “began following [Jesus] on the road.” The miracle was only a beginning, not an end.

It wasn't that Bartimaeus was ungrateful for the miracle. He determined, though, that he wouldn't settle for being a miracle chaser or a benefit seeker. His goal was to follow Jesus.

What is the reason you come to Jesus?

• Is it to get a blessing or receive a healing?
• Is it to improve the quality of your life?
• Is it to get fired-up so you can endure what will come at you during the next week?

While Jesus is a gracious Giver of good gifts, and being in His presence certainly is beneficial, He is most delighted when people become followers and not stationary recipients. 

Verses of The Week (07/08/16)

Mark 10:46-52 (NASB)

When Jesus Stopped (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 5)

6. FAITH THAT WILL NOT STOP ASKS FOR THE THING THAT MANY PEOPLE CONSIDER

IMPROBABLE. “ . . . Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” (Mk. 10:51).

Bartimaeus swung for the grandstands, didn't he? Evidently, there was a time when he could see.

• We're not told how he lost his sight.
• We're not told when he lost his sight.
• We're not told how long he lived with his blindness.
• We're not told how he heard that Jesus can heal.
• We're not told how faith became activated in his spirit.
• We're only told what it is that he wanted Jesus to do more than anything else.

What is it that you want Jesus to do more than anything else? Don't devise an answer that you and Jesus both know isn't true. Be audacious! Think big! We serve a mighty God! Don't settle for less than the best Jesus is capable of and willing to give you.

“Well, Pastor, God is sovereign. What if I ask and that's not what He wants to do?” How is it that you play the “sovereignty of God” card negatively, in order not to be disappointed, but won't play that card positively in order to receive what you need most from Him?

• Jesus is not toying with you! How interested He is in you!
• Jesus is not out to devastate or crush you! How tender He will be with you!

As Pentecostals, we have been around the block a few times when it comes to discussions about divine healing. We would never suggest something inappropriate such as, “That's impossible!” Why? Because we know better! Some of you are rehearsing the verses right now.

• Mt. 17:20 > “ . . .if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”
• Mt. 19:26 > “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
• Mk. 10:27 > “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”
• Lu. 1:37 > “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
• Lu. 18:27 > “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”
• Mk. 9:23 > “All things are possible to him who believes.”
• Jer. 32:17 > “Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You . . .”
• Jer. 32:27 > “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (obvious answer: no)

The problem isn't that we believe something is impossible; the problem is that we think something is improbable.  We allow that it can happen; we just don't allow that it will happen. We allow that it can happen to someone else, some place else; we just don't allow that it can happen to us, right here, right now. Are we playing the odds instead of standing on the promises? Since when have we become such expert gamblers, placing bets on what God will or will not do?