The other day, my devotional emphasized the importance of specific prayer. To place certainty in your request by carefully evaluating your heart’s desire and needs. A reference was made to the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who recognized Jesus at Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus had been sitting by the ‘roadside begging’ when he heard that Jesus was in town. He began obnoxiously shouting to Jesus and begging for mercy. He was so loud, that the crowd attempted to quiet him. However, he did not stop, but continued ‘all the more’. Jesus called Bartimaeus over and asked him specifically, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Bartimaeus requested his eyesight. Due to his faith in Jesus Christ’s abilities to heal him, Bartimaeus sight was given. The author of the devotional expressed how Bartimaeus knew his root issue was being blind. With eyesight, he would not have to beg and could do for himself; therefore, he asked for his immediate need.
The interesting part of the passage is Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Could Jesus not see that Bartimaeus was blind? Is it possible that Jesus asked this question because the unaware Bartimaeus had a greater need? With the information, which is noted in the Bible, we will arguably never know. There is one point that we can be certain- Bartimaeus’ faith in Christ was the key to his answered prayer.
During Bartimaeus’ blind life, he was granted the opportunity to think of how his life could improve. More than likely, he lived his life receiving his needs as the ‘town beggar.’ Possibly, this was something he wasn’t proud of, as the passage demonstrates in his anticipation of being healed. His opportunityto be healed came and he made his request to the One who could restore his sight. There was a time in my life, which I played the role of Bartimaeus. Desperate for healing, begging for love and acceptance, only to realize that I was begging the wrong source. After recognizing my disappointments and heartaches, I placed my faith in the right source (Jesus). Even after doing this, my requests were immature and lacked wisdom; however, I had the right Source. Jesus Christ, in all his infinite wisdom, has tremendously blessed me and continues to do so; yet, I’m confident that I still make immature request. His grace and mercy combined with my willingness to humbly serve and trust Him grants life.
I strongly encourage you to call on the name of Jesus. The Bible states that Jesus Christ’… is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). No matter what the situation you face today, He can rescue you as He did me and Bartimaeus. Being that He was tempted in every way without sinning (Hebrews 4:15), He has the ability to sympathize and understand you. The time is now for you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. His ability to change your life is unlimited. Allow the power of God through Christ to transform you. Do not be ashamed or concerned with friends or family’s thoughts of your choice. As Bartimaeus unapologetically exclaimed the name of Jesus, you do the same and receive the gift of salvation and abundant life!
Numbers 23:19-20
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please click on this hyperlink.
