And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here." So they *called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you." Mark 10:49
The voice of pain cut through the loudness of the crowd. The one who seeks to minister hears the world differently than others. The verse above is about a story in the Bible where Jesus is leaving Jericho with His disciples and with a great crowd following Him. Along the side of the road as they left the town, there was a blind man named Bartimaeus. When he heard that it was Jesus coming by, he began to call out for him. People around him told him to be quiet and but he called out louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus heard him above the crowd and stopped. The heart’s cry of one in need is far sweeter to Christ than the shallow hallelujahs of the crowd.
Mark records, “Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him” (v. 49a). Jesus stopped what He was doing, where He was going, and asked the disciples to call this blind beggar. He came without hesitation. With abandonment! He was excited and expectant. Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up – not typical behavior for a blind man. Bartimaeus LET GO of that which he had clung to for security and protection.
It’s the ability, as well as the willingness, to relinquish control of and obsession about plans and situations and other people, both past and present. People who let go seem to be more successful at navigating the twists and turns of life than those who can’t or won’t.
Stumbling awkwardly in his blindness led only by desperation and faith he abandoned his securities and possessions and came to Jesus. Can you imagine how excited he was? If his heart was pounding before, what was it doing now? What a painting this would make. Face to face – Jesus with the most penetrating eyes ever and the sightless eyes of Bartimaeus framed by a countenance of ultimate expectation. This is the way to come to Jesus! Jesus said to Bartimaeus, "Go, your faith has healed you."
Mark tells us that when Bartimaeus received his sight, he "followed Jesus along the road." Can you imagine the testimony that his eyesight must have been as he told others the impact that Jesus had in his life? Have you told Jesus what you want? James 4:2saysYou have not because you ask not. Paul told us, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)Just as Jesus heard Bartimaeus over the roar of a crowd, He hears us when we call out to Him. In fact, He is waiting for us to call out to Him. Are you listening for Him? Like a blind man who has learned to listen for survival, we need to be listening for the voice of our Savior.
Scripture to Claim:And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
Mark 10:51-52
Mark 10:51-52
