He Only Shouted Louder

Are you desiring inspiration or desperation in your life today?

Well, let me tell you, I’m pretty desperate for some sun in San Diego these days! Amen? I recently saw a meme with a picture of Seattle with the caption, “This is San Diego 2023”!

But can I be honest and share with you that I do not like being desperate nor want to be seen as someone desperate? Why? Because the essence of being desperate means, you are helpless. It makes you look weak, feel less than, and come off as burdensome.

Furthermore, we value people who are put together, self-sufficient, and not needy. Ain’t that the truth? Wouldn’t you prefer inviting people into your home who are more inspirational than desperate? That is more interesting than demanding?

Yet, I love what Jesus values. Jesus, yes, will inspire us, but he takes notice and highlights those desperate for him.

Luke 18:35-42 (NLT) praises and tells us, be like this blind beggar.

Listen to this:

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road.  When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’

‘Be quiet!’ the people in front yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’

‘Lord,’ he said, ‘I want to see!’

And Jesus said, ‘All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.’”

- Luke 18:35-42

I absolutely love the phrase, “But he only shouted louder.”

Say it with me or whisper it in your heart, “But he only shouted louder.”

This desperate act caught Jesus’ attention.

This desperate prayer caught Jesus’ ear. Why? Because his desperation screamed his revelation. This blind beggar deeply believed Jesus was the only one who could save him.

Friends, when was the last time you felt this helpless? This vulnerable? Where your only faith was that Jesus alone could save you?

Many of us wait until we are in crisis to reach the point of desperation. But what would it look like to have a daily rhythm of being desperate for Christ?

Perhaps for some of us, our marriages, families, and work are all generally going well. If so, may I suggest being in proximity to others around you? I have a hunch that you will quickly reach the point of desperation.

One of the aspects of why I love working in a church is that I get front-row seats to what God is doing and how God is changing people. But also, I get to hear the pain and troubles of people in various situations.

I am thankful, though, because it keeps me desperate and looking to Jesus.  And I find myself only shouting louder.  For our infants to kids, students, those in our 20s and 30s, and adults to seniors. I am shouting louder than before to the one who can save us.

Someone said, “Don’t let circumstances change the way you see Jesus. Let Jesus change the way you see circumstances.”

Friends, We may despise being in a desperate place, but when we are desperate for Jesus, it will deepen our relationship with Him, and God will use us to help others.

Pastor Sean

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