BARTIMAEUS

Mark 10:46-52 gives us the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar man sitting by the road, pushed aside by the crowd. He cries out in desperation for Jesus to meet his need and finds healing.

The sermon can be found here.

1. Blind. Consider situations in your life where you are finding it hard to see. Maybe in a relationship that seems headed nowhere. Or changes in work. Or dealing with a particular issue. Blindness is not only a physical issue. It can very much be a spiritual condition. Prayerfully ask God to renew your vision.

2. Pushed Aside by the Crowd. Have there been voices in your life that suggest God is not interested in your particular circumstances? When Bartimaeus cried out for his need to be met he was met with the response that Jesus would have more important things to do than to deal with him. Don’t believe it! Don’t listen to the negative voices that belittle God’s love. In prayer thank God that His love is so awesome that if you were the only fallen creature in all creation Jesus would still have gone to the cross to set you free!

3. Keep Shouting. Bartimaeus didn’t listen to the voices that sought to silence him. He, in scripture’s terms “prayed without ceasing”. An important aspect of his prayer was its reality. It was whole hearted. Such is the kind of prayer that always seems to get results. When prayer life becomes barren, it is worth challenging ourselves to seriously consider the depth of our commitment. Ephesians 6:18 instructs us; “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying…”

Final Thought: It takes courage to go against the crowd. But in an age where the crowd seems to be heading away from God, we need to stand our ground and wholeheartedly pursue the reality of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.