Revelation gives us some good advice - it is not enough just to read God's word. One must also take it to heart and apply it in their life to receive the blessings that it promises. John challenges one of the seven churches for doing everything correctly but abandoning love. And as the Apostle Paul insists, if we do not have love we are nothing even if we do many great things. Read - take it to heart - apply in your life: that is the key to happiness and holiness.

The blind man in Jericho lacked physical sight but he had fine spiritual insight. He knew who Jesus was - he addressed him as Son of David, which is clearly a messianic title. His world had been narrow and confined and he was often at the mercy of other people. These same people wanted him to shut up and stop calling out to Jesus but he persisted. It is this persistence and willingness to go against popular opinion and social restrictions that brought him to Jesus and his healing. He is even bold enough to tell Jesus what he wants him to do. Suffering and struggle can be great teachers and can help us to develop courage, character, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Obstacles and the attitudes of others should not come between us and God - we should continue to cry out 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'