I was spending some time with Jesus this morning and he led me to the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52.
The encounter of Jesus and Bartimaeus begins as Jesus walks into Bartimaeus’ town and Bartimaeus who is a blind beggar starts shouting, “Jesus have mercy on me”. Bart knew what he wanted and was determined to make the necessary noise and fuss until someone noticed him. His shouting for attention worked and Jesus stopped and called for Bartimaeus to come to him. Bart immediately jumped up, threw aside his beggars’ cloak, and ran to Jesus.
On meeting Bart, Jesus asked him a single question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“I want to see”, was his reply and Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.”
Instantly Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus down the road. No longer was he a blind beggar, but a healed and restored man.
As I finished reading, I felt Jesus encouraging me to follow Bart’s example and to be prepared to:
Get God’s attention – Acknowledge where you are at, but don’t be content to remain there. Bartimaeus realised he was stuck as a beggar, but he also recognized who could help him and was determined to get Jesus’ attention.
Don’t let other people deter you from seeking God – He has the power and desire to meet your every need and request – The crowd warned Bart to be quiet; but he cried out even more “Jesus have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:48)
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Throw aside anything that will deter or delay you from running to Jesus – Bartimaeus as a beggar was given a cloak which entitled him to beg. He had no other means of financial support and therefore the cloak was a prized possession and source of income. However, when Jesus called for Bartimaeus to come to him he threw off his cloak and in doing so threw off his old way of life, his comfort and being defined as a beggar. He was determined that he was going to be healed or he would have nothing. He was desperate for change and went to Jesus expecting a miracle. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
Know and ask for what you want – When Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus boldly told Jesus he wanted to receive his sight. He knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask. As a result, he was healed instantly.
“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15;7)
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him”. (1 John 5:14-15)
Today I encourage you to know and ask for what you want in your life. Seek after and be prepared to receive the best that God has to offer you and determine to throw off anything that would hold you back from your best life.
Jump up and run to Jesus and boldly answer His question when He asks YOU, “What do you want me to do for you?” and then follow Him.
Prayer: Lord thankyou that you love me so much. Please help me to know what I really want and to throw aside any cloaks that would try to weigh me down so that I can run to you for the answer to all my wants and needs. In Jesus name Amen.
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