Then they came to Bethsaida; and some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged Him to touch him. Mark 8:22
We can learn several lessons from the friends of the blind man in this Bible passage. Firstly, it is remarkable that in this particular case, the INITIATIVE to seek healing from the Lord Jesus was not necessarily the blind man’s. It’s “some people” who took special action to make a difference. In other cases, it’s the needy person who screams for his own help. Rarely do we find people who concern themselves with other people’s needs, interests or dreams without ulterior motives.
Secondly, these people BELIEVED that Jesus would heal their blind friend. Remember that, of all miracles, healing blind eyes was not common (then and now). Yet they were confident that Jesus could change their friend’s situation for good. That is why they passionately begged Jesus to touch and heal him. That is why they took their blind friend to the right and only person in the whole world who could genuinely do the impossible-the Lord Jesus. They were friends in need and friends indeed. They were high quality friends.
Dear saint, do you have friends like that? Take time to thank God for all your friends and family members who love you enough to consider your best interests. Praise the Lord for all the friends in your life who stick closer than a brother. Glorify God for everyone in your circle who believes in your potential, your dream or your destiny. Be grateful for every loyal friend, relation or contact whom the Lord has used to enable you to get where you are. Do this exercise earnestly.
It will fill your heart with gratitude. It will increase your humility. I have done the exercise and been shocked by the number and variety of people who have contributed towards my survival, healing, growth, ministry, leadership and dreams, to name just a few areas. It has enabled me to realise that God has been busy working behind the scenes over the years with a plethora of men and women, young and old, relatives, friends, contacts, close and distant ones. I am what I am by the manifold grace of God. What’s your testimony?
Moreover, you and I must be SELECTIVE about our friends. Don’t he deceived by looks. The truth of the matter is that not everyone around you genuinely cares. Not all friends (or relatives) are friends indeed. That’s why the Word of God says we must not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1). It also warns us that whoever walks with the wise will become wise but a companion of fools will be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20). “Bad company corrupts good morals” is another powerful biblical warning we would do well to heed (1 Corinthians 15:33).
The other side of the coin is that we must also be WILLING TO BE A TRUE FRIEND, a “friend in need and a friend indeed”. In these difficult times, I challenge you by the mercies of God to be that kind of friend. Be happy to help others to fulfil their hopes, dreams and life purpose. Be a vessel God can use to empower someone else to live up to his or her fullest potential. Be willing to refer others where they can get help, without misleading them, of course. Be a genuinely loyal, believing and caring friend. Be a beacon of hope in a desperate world. Seek to add value to someone everyday. That is the road to significance, beyond mere success!
Pastor Josh