What Do You Want...?

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. --Luke 18:40-41

The blind beggar on the side of the road was persistent in his attempts to get Jesus’ attention. When he was told to be quiet, by those leading Jesus’ entourage, "he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’"

Jesus heard. Jesus stopped. Jesus ordered the beggar brought to him. With a simple question and a simple response, the man’s life is changed forever.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

In a split second, I go from reading the story to being in the story. Jesus puts the same question to me but unlike the blind beggar, I don’t know what to ask for. Jesus waits for my reply. I struggle through the process of sorting needs from wants. My subconscious argues that this is a silly exercise -- as a believer in Christ, I can go to him anytime I want and make my requests known. But I cannot shake the sensation that I am standing on the dirt road with the Savior and there is something specific he wants me to ask.

After reviewing and discarding several worthy choices, I discern God’s leading. With relief, I make my request. Jesus responds with the same grace and tenderness he poured out on the blind beggar.

Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

--Luke 18:42-43

Father,
Through your son, Jesus Christ, You pose the question, “What do you want me to do for you?” May we take the time, this very day, to explore this question with You as our guide. Thank You for the blessed privilege of being escorted into your presence and being able to respond with our heart’s deepest desire. May our response to these answered prayers always bring praise and glory to You. In Jesus name, Amen.