I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Mark 10. So much in this Chapter I advise you take some time to read it for yourself. The story of bind Bartimaeus starts in Verse 46, “The they came to Jericho. As Jesus and His disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is the son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So they called the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He is calling you!’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up 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” (Verses 46-52). Where to start with this story… Bartimaeus was blind, but clearly not mute. He cried out to Jesus despite being shushed. In fact the sushing made him more determined. So in the face of others telling him to be quiet, knocking him down, and making him feel as though God didn’t want to hear from him…Bartimaeus cried out LOUDER. Oh, to have the faith and perseverance of Bartimaeus. Here’s my point, he never saw what Jesus did (he couldn’t he was blind). He only heard the stories…he HEARD. Much like us today, and yet without ever seeing he believed. In John 20:29 Jesus says this, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Bartimaeus’ experience with Jesus is a clear picture of Christianity today: we are blind, we want to see, we cry out to God,  He hears and answers. On this day Bartimaeus received more than just physical sight. 

Happy Sunday!