January 14–I Once Was Blind

Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a great time in the Lord this weekend. We studied the story of Blind Bartimaeus yesterday. He was the beggar who lived in Jericho and when he heard Jesus was passing by, screamed over the top of the crowd for Jesus to have mercy on him. Even though the people around him tried to tell him to hush, he screamed even louder. When Jesus heard him, He said “Bring him here.” So the same folks who’d tried to shush him, were helping him to go see Jesus. 


 “Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.” Mark‬ ‭10:49-52‬ ‭NIV‬‬


There are two things I find most remarkable in this story (besides the miracle). First, Bartimaeus leaves his stuff behind (throws off his cloak) when Jesus called him. He doesn’t try to carry his possessions and the cares of his world with him. He goes empty handed, just as he is. Second, when he is healed, his first reaction is to follow Jesus, not go back to his stuff and his old life. And he did it in front of the crowd so they could see his choice. 


When we cry out to Jesus for mercy, and He asks us to “come” do we try to take stuff with us? I know I do. It’s hard to just ignore your friends and family and possessions and look only at Jesus. But if we want to see the miracles in our own lives, that’s exactly what we have to do. After we receive that unmatched mercy, our only task is to follow the Rabbi. Just turn away from our old life and the “cloak” we have ourselves wrapped in and follow Him. When we follow Jesus, the world should see our choice. 


Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for these ancient words that so clearly depict this encounter. You asked the blind man what he wanted from you that no one else could give himand we know you ask each of us the same question. And we have the same answer— “We want to see”. We know that your grace is amazing and when you work a miracle, we who were blind now see. We pray for our eyes to be opened anew each day and the world would see the difference in us. Today, we ask that we might encounter you in a very special way. We praise and worship you alone, for you are our Deliverer and soon coming King. Amen and amen.


Love you dear one, 

Pam

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