Matthew 9:27-31 KJV And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. (28) And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. (29) Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. (30) And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. (31) But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Business was good. Simeon and Reuel established themselves as artisans in the field of pottery. Aristocrats from near and far coveted the superior quality of their wares. A number of factors contributed to their success. Their keen sense of smell guaranteed the highest quality raw materials. Their astute hearing told them when each piece was properly glazed and fired. Their sense of touch picked up minor defects often missed during a visual inspection. When firing the pottery the employees would describe every detail of the process. How the pottery glowed, each change in color until it became almost transparent, indicating the process was complete.
One of the most important factors contributing to their success was the manner in which they treated their employees. The entire operation was run like a family business. Each employee was involved in every decision. Everyone was paid equally, no matter what their particular job was. This created an atmosphere of cooperation. Each employee was cross trained to assist with every aspect of the business. Not a single detail was over looked.
Their shop was also famous as a hub for news from near and far. The numerous caravans bringing businessmen from every corner of the known world also carried news updates on every subject. News about Jesus arrived at the shop during His early ministry. Their employees and many customers encouraged Simeon and Reuel to see Him. It seemed like a good idea, but something held them back from making a decision.
Many of the reports about Jesus were positive, a few were negative. Simeon and Reuel discussed the possibility to taking some time off and going to hear Jesus speak. Simeon asked Reuel, “what do you think about going to hear this new teacher?” Reuel had been considering the subject and answered quickly, “I have been thinking about it, but do you really think He would help us? I mean, we are doing fine, we have been blessed with more than we could ever hope to ask.” Simeon agreed, “I suppose if God wanted to change our lives, He would have done something about it by now. We need to remain thankful for what the Lord has given us.” Reuel added, “yes, we have more to be thankful for then we could have ever imagined.” Simeon agreed, “let’s praise the Lord for His blessings, and leave the future up to Him.” Reuel added, “let everything be done in God’s will, in His time.”
A few days later news from within the city came to Simeon and Reuel. Jesus was just outside of town. Their friends and employees encouraged them to go hear Jesus speak, and ask for His blessing. Simeon and Reuel explained they had talked about this, and decided to leave everything in God’s hands. Many of their friends begged them to reconsider, but their decision had been made. They would pray, and wait on God’s plan.
That did not stop their most trusted friends and employees from acting on their own. After praying, they decided to go to Jesus themselves. They felt if they asked Jesus to come see Simeon and Reuel, it would be up to Jesus to grant a blessing.
The following day they dressed in their best garments as a show of respect. As they crossed the peak in the road, many of their friends and acquaintances greeted them, offering their assistance. Surrounded by a large group in the valley Jesus walked among them offering His blessing, and curing many in need. Jesus could not help but notice a group gathering on the road above. It seemed strange to see people gathering around men dressed in costly apparel. He knew they were not associated with the priests, Pharisees, or scribes, who were often avoided by the masses.
Jesus’ early morning prayers told Him why this group was seeking Him. Jesus did not want to waste any time. The road into the valley was long and winding, so Jesus headed straight up the steep inclined sides of the valley walls taking the direct route. Jesus moved with determination, navigating the loose stones and unstable soil between Himself, and the objective His Father gave Him for the day. When He reached the road Simeon and Reuel’s friends explained the situation and begged Jesus to come with them, and see for Himself before making a decision. Jesus agreed to go with them.
Seeing Jesus with Simeon and Reuel’s friends filled everyone with excitement and anticipation. Many ran ahead to announce Jesus’ visit. More and more people gathered to see Jesus work His miracles.
Jesus and His disciples were greeted by a throng of happy people praising God and singing His praises. Simeon and Reuel could tell something special was happening, they had never imagined Jesus was coming to see them, although this was the news they were hearing. In all humility they knelt down to pray. Upon rising, they went to the door with hope lightening their hearts. Once outside they felt the rays of the sun warming their faces, their ears picked up greetings, they could tell Jesus was only feet away. Excitement filled their hearts to over flowing as they shouted out, “Son of David, have mercy on us.” When Jesus came into the house, the two blind men came to him: and Jesus said unto them, “do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said unto him, “Yes, Lord.” Jesus touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it unto you.” Without directly asking, except in prayer to the Father, their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, “See that no man know it.“
Simeon and Reuel did not have to say a word. Their actions demonstrated everything Jesus did for them. Everyone saw it in the joy on their faces. There was no doubt, every move and action from that moment forward was a witness to the fact, Jesus gave them their sight.
The news of Jesus’ miracle did not take long to spread. The respect everyone had for Simeon and Reuel advanced the news faster and further than any before. By touching their friends many felt as if Jesus also touched them in a close and personal way.
November 9, 2011 at 4:12 am
no commet now