Saturday 8 August, 2015

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

There’s Bartimaeus sitting where he usually sits, hoping for some coins to come his way probably.  He needed help to get there and someone to lead him home. When you are dependent for some things in life, people tend to boss you around. The people told him to be quiet, he was drawing attention to himself. Of course he was. He wanted Jesus to hear him. He wasn’t giving up that easy.
Jesus did hear him, and called him over and asked what he wanted. He didn’t say he wanted a new cane or a roast dinner. He simply asked Jesus for his greatest need and desire. “I want to see”. Jesus saw Bartimaeus and heard his cry and gave him sight instantly.
This says to me that when I have a need, it’s up to me to shout out to Jesus. He doesn’t walk past us when we call to him. I can ask him for my most fundamental needs, because he cares. Faith leads us to believe that Jesus is on our side and that He can help us. So faith says ask, and Jesus says I give because you asked.
Dear Lord give us faith and boldness like Bartimaeus. Let us know that you want to bless us and make us whole. Thank you.

Written by Dimity Milne