“…when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out…” – Mark 10:46-52 (NKJV)
Bartimaeus was excited. He could hear the roar of the crowd in the distance, but it was getting closer. What could it be? He thought. Then he ventured to ask. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” he was told. (Luke 18:37 – NIV). He had heard of this man who was performing miracles: healing the sick, opening blind eyes, deaf ears, and making the lame walk. Do I dare hope? He thought.
Everyone knew Bartimaeus. Maybe not by name, but he occupied the same space daily doing the same thing. Some would have stopped long enough to drop a coin in his hat, some may have had brief conversations, but all knew he was blind and made his living as a beggar. But Bartimaeus had had enough. He made up his mind. He would get his sight, and no one would stop him from trying.
The roar grew louder. He began to shout. They tried to quiet him, but he screamed louder even as the crowd came closer, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38 – NIV). He was not going to be silenced! He was not going to lose his chance. And he did not. Jesus called him, saying, “What do you want me to do for you? (Verse 41). He replied, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” (Verse 41). Jesus granted Bartimaeus’s plea because of his faith. He received his sight and began following Jesus.
Friend, our circumstances can also cripple us even though our physical faculties may be intact. We may have heard of Jesus, but wonder if He will listen to us when we call. Discouragement can come from our own family or friends. But like this blind beggar, let us ignore the dissenting voices. As the song says, “Sing (pray) a little louder in the presence of the enemy; let our weapon be a melody of praise.” As we see our circumstances change, we, too, will follow Jesus.
Prayer
Lord, strengthen our faith and help our unbelief. Remove doubt and fear and cause us to exercise confidence in Your promises even in the worst of circumstances, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Read: Psalm 4:8; Joshua. 1:9
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 1; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Jeremiah 18; Jeremiah 19; Jeremiah 20