Seeing through Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

There are so many insights from the story of the Blind Bartimaeus which we can learn from.

1. We must be bold in calling out to Jesus.
He was beggar and he was blind. He was used to being ignored or even stepped on. But when he learned that Jesus was passing his way, he began to shout.

2. We must persist even when others tell us otherwise.
People around him told him to shut up, but he refused. He knew that this was his one golden chance to ask Jesus to heal him.

3. We must be eager/willing to take that leap to go near to Jesus.
Jesus heard his persistent calling and stopped, and called for him. Bartimaeus immediately did these --

a. threw his cloak aside
b. jumped to his feet
c. came to Jesus
d. followed Jesus

The cloak during these times was a valuable piece of clothing, especially for a beggar who has to stay outside. It protected him from the hot sun during the day and kept him warm at night. In his happiness to be called by Jesus, he threw aside his cloak. When Jesus calls us, do we throw aside the things that we hold dear?

In his excitement, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet. After being seated on his spot on the road for so long, his joints must have been stiff already, yet, in his eagerness and happiness in being called by Jesus, he immediately jumped up and ran. Are we just as excited when Jesus calls us to do something for Him or do we drag our feet, moving at our normal pace?

When he finally came to Jesus, Jesus asked him, "What do you ant me to do for you?" It is only when we draw near to Jesus and stand before him in prayer that we can pour out our heart's desires.

Then Bartimaeus, having been healed, followed Jesus. he didn't go back to his old spot to beg, to his old way of life. He had a new purpose in his life and that he was to follow the One who had healed him and had given him a new life.

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Being Timid in Our Faith

Matthew 26:58 "But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome."

Peter was afraid and confused. Jesus was just arrested and the disciples have scattered, afraid thay they too will be arrested. Despite him staunchly pronouncing that Jesus was the Messiah, Son of God, Peter was suddenly timid in his faith. He followed Jesus at a distance.

How many times have I been like Peter? When conversations veer towards beliefs, do I stand firm and affirm that yes, I believe in Jesus as my Saviour and Lord? Or do I stand aside, and follow Jesus only at a safe distance?
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Musings

Not everything that God gives us is to be understood; it is just to believed and received.

Sparrows by His Pool

Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed even the hairs on your head are numbered. DO NOT BE AFRAID; you are worth more than many sparrows.

In the past, my morning devotions were done inside the house at my dining table. Unfortunately, with the tv set blaring bad to worse news in the background, it was hard for me to focus on the Good News, and hear God's voice.

As I kept praying to God for more intimacy with Him, the Lord led me to the garden, BY HIS POOL. Here, by His pool I have found what I have been seeking -- solace with my Father, and His assurance in the sparrows.

In the early morning hours, birds flit about the trees in the garden, and at times even perch near me to sing a happy song. At times though a bird would screech rather than sing, and I wonder what he is upset about. Whether in their singing or screeching, I find so much comfort in hearing them as I meditate on God's word. Their chirping is a song of praise to their Creator who provides for them. And, He has promised His provision for me as well!

I am worth more than many sparrows! Even the very hairs of my head are numbered! How closely then the Lord knows me and watches over me! A truly assuring thought.

As I sigh in content in the presence of my God, He sends me a slight cool breeze as if to caress my cheek. I am not forgotten. I am loved. I will not be afraid.

What do you want Me to do?

Mark 10:36 and 51 Jesus asked this questions two times. The first time was to James and John, sons of Zebedee, who wanted Jesus to appoint them to sit at His right and left in His glory. To this, Jesus answered that it was not for Him to grant this because those places already belong to someone else.

The second time was to the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, who asked to receive his sight, and immediately Jesus healed him.

Some insights can be drawn from these two stories.

1. Jesus lovingly asks us the same question: What do you want me to do for you? He most certainly knows what we need -- even before we even know it -- and what is in our hearts but He asks us anyway.

2. If it is not in accordance to the Father's will and plan, He will not grant it. In the case of James and John, something was already established in God's Kingdom: places for certain people which Jesus would not change in obedience to the Father. SIDE NOTE: I also think their request was a bit presumptuous and mixed with pride. But then again, we all have sinned in this way.

3. If we ask in faith and humility, Jesus will grant our request. He gently told Bartimaeus "Your faith has healed you."

Jesus is Coming

We must wait in hope for both Jesus' Second Coming and for our own homecoming.

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Plugging into the Source

Mark 9:23-24

A man brought his son who was possessed to Jesus and told Him that His disciples were unable to live out the demon. He said “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus answered “IF YOU CAN? Everything is possible for him who believes.” You can only imagine Jesus asking this question with one eyebrow raised.

God’s power is undoubted; but our access to it lies in our own belief.

The father immediately exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my belief!”

God is our source of everything and our belief, our faith and trust in Him allows us to tap into that Source. We plug in.
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ipart Credit: www.pixabay.com)