“Many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more.” Mark 10:48 NKJV
TRY TO imagine being blind all your life, then one day miraculously receiving your sight. And the first face you see—is the face of Jesus! That’s what happened to Bartimaeus. Jesus was passing by the spot where he sat begging every day. Recognizing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he cried out for help at the top of his lungs. Sometimes dignified prayer won’t get the job done. Desperate situations call for desperate measures. Sometimes you’ve got to cry out to God from the depths of your soul! When Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus stood still” (v. 49 NRS). Your cry will get God’s attention. David said, “I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me” (Psalm 30:2 KJV). Don’t be reluctant, be confident. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and…grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV). The Bible says, “Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus” (Mark 10:50 NIV). He did that for two reasons: First, a long robe could have tripped him up. Second, his clothes identified him as a beggar. To get to Jesus, you must be willing to throw aside everything that stands in your way. The shame and failure of your past, your lack and your limitations, the labels other people have put on you. When Jesus restores and makes you whole, you won’t have to wear those old garments anymore. And here’s another thought: When Bartimaeus regained his sight, he decided to follow Jesus (See v. 52), and you must do that too.
Soul Food Reading: Acts 6-7, Matt 8:18-27, Ps 118:1-9, Pro 15:27-30
