And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” Mark 10:46-49
Please remember that my posts are what the Lord reveals to my heart when I read His Word. I simply want to share with the reader (in an accountable way) what applicability I take away from what I prayerfully read every day.
I labeled this post “Persistence without resentment” because this story about Bartimaeus (I am going to call him Bart) is convicting to me. Bart was persistent but there is no hint of frustration, bitterness, or resentment in Jesus not answering him right away…and, he would not be deterred by the nay-saying people around him. This was a personal call from Bart to Jesus, the Son of David, to have mercy on him.
I was convicted this morning because I am taking an inward look at my motivations and expectations when I make requests of my Savior while I am here on this earth, under the sun. There is no doubt that Jesus heard him the first time Bart called out. So, what does Jesus finally do? He tells his disciples to “Call him…” over. I happen to think that what the people said to Bart about Jesus calling him over, was probably a little comical. “Hey Bart! Jesus is calling for you! Cheer up man, get up, He wants to see you!” Bart immediately jumps to his feet, throws off his cloak, and came to Jesus.
APPLICATION:
- Bart knew Jesus was there – So, given the promise of the Helper, I know that Jesus is always with me.
- Bart called on Jesus – Every circumstance I am in, I need to think of calling to Jesus as my first response, not my second, third, or last.
- Bart was persistent – I need to continue to call on Jesus even when to everyone else, it seems frivolous.
- Bart’s response when Jesus answered was immediate – When I hear the answer Jesus has for me, first do I recognize that He is answering, and second, do I accept and respond with deliberate action?
Tomorrow I will be looking at Jesus’ response and conversation with Bart.