Blind Bartimaeus
posted: Oct 19, 2009
In Mark chapter 10 verses 46-52 we find a bummed blind man named Bartimaeus. This man is found begging along the highway in Jericho. Within the story of Bartimaeus we see three different time tables of his life; before, during, and after his meeting with Christ!
First we will look at Bartimaeus' life before he met the Lord. In verse 46, we see a man sitting along the highway blind and begging; probably bedless and breadless! This man has little if any hope and is most likely tired of life's circumstances.
During Christ's entrance in to Jericho (vs. 47-48), we see Bartimaeus demanding to see this Jesus of Nazareth. The Bible says that he began to "cry out" for the Lord, and the others standing around began to charge him to "hold his peace" (which is a nice way to say shut-up!) With zero regard to the strong push to keep to himself, Bartimaeus was determined and began to cry even louder for Christ! He had hope and faith that Christ could indeed heal him! Long and behold, Christ calls him forth and asks Bartimaeus what he wants Him to do! Bartimaeus obviously asks for his sight and Jesus says, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole."
After Bartimaeus had met the Saviour, the Bible says, "And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way." He became aware of his surroundings and ambitious about the things of the Lord. We see in verse 52 that Jesus told him to "Go thy way" and later Bartimaeus "followed Jesus in the way." The blind man's way became God's way! Bartimaeus became accountable to the Lord and was along for the ride of his life! What a testimony!
Likewise in our lives, once we were as blind Bartimaeus. Spiritually blind and begging for purpose in life; but upon meeting Jesus and trusting Him for our eternity, we became aware of spiritual things. I challenge you this week to do as Bartimaeus did, and become ambitious for the cause of Christ, be accountable with what God has given you, and you will see that you too are along for the ride of your life. Make your way...God's way!