Now, before I dive into this article, I want to make it crystal clear that the Gospel of Luke is about the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Gospel illustrates how God loves us so much that He lowered Himself to a mere human to suffer and die for our sins so that we may inherit eternal life through His grace. It's quite frankly the most beautiful love story ever written... except for it's not a story. Its based in truth.
However, there was one underlying theme that I noticed while reading the Book of Luke that really resonated with me. Jesus performed many miraculous feats throughout the gospels. One of which was healing a blind man.
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. (Luke 18:38-42)
We see that the blind man was healed due to his faith. But did you notice how he was initially rejected by the disciples? Yet, he cried all the more for Jesus. Let's look at another scripture.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. (Luke 19:3-4)
The man of little stature was Zacchaeus. He was too short to see Christ from the crowd, so he climbed up a tree just to see Jesus. Zacchaeus was the chief publican, which pretty much translated to chief sinner for this time period. However, Jesus saw how he climbed up a tree just to see Him. Therefore, Christ blessed him and granted him salvation. Let's check out one more scripture.
And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. (Luke 5:18-19)
There was no way into the house where Jesus stood. All entrances were blocked. But these men decided to drop in through the roof...
So, what's the one thing I learned from reading Luke in its entirety? I learned that it doesn't matter if I need to cry out, climb a tree, or drop down through the roof... if Jesus is in the vicinity, I need to do all that I can to seek Him. When Jacob wrestled with God, it was an all-night event. Yet, Jacob would not let go until God blessed him.
The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 was initially rejected by Jesus Himself. When the woman asked Christ to come heal her daughter, He ignored her. She asked again, and He said He had other business to handle. She asked again, and Christ rejected her once again. But the woman pleaded her case all the more, and finally Christ said to her, "Oh woman, Great is your faith!" The woman's requested was then granted.
Am I painting the picture clear enough for you? If God isn't picking up when you call, keep calling Him! A telemarketer ought not have anything on you! Nothing should keep you from seeking Christ. If the blind man would have stopped calling Jesus, he wouldn't have received his healing. If the men hadn't dropped in the man with palsy through the roof, he would have remained bedridden. If Zacchaeus hadn't climbed the tree, he would have never seen Jesus.
Hebrews 11:6 states Christ is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Meaning those who are persistent after the heart of God will receive the rewards. If you're not willing to cry out, climb, or do whatever necessary to seek Christ, then you may miss out on some major blessings. Christ said He would answer us if we called, but he didn't say He would pick up on the first call.
If you have been calling and crying out to God and He seems to be silent, keep calling. If you can't see Christ from your vantage point, change your vantage point. If you have to wrestle all night with Him until he blesses you, then become an overnight WWE Champion. The one thing I learned from reading Luke in its entirety is to seek God relentlessly. Never stop seeking Him. Let nothing stand in your way. Eventually, God will acknowledge your persistence, and you will be rewarded... just as He promised.