Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. John 10:4 (NLT)
I read about a famous actor who claimed to be an atheist but follows a philosophy from a science fiction movie. He was deadly serious.
Christ followers are seen as fanatical, while those who base their beliefs on a movie are considered sane.
But there is no excuse for rejecting Christ. Nothing but a rebellious hard heart can keep you from redemption.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
John 1:5 (WEB)
I chose the short, beautiful story of blind Bartimaeus and Jesus for today’s devotion.
Let’s meet Bartimaeus.
Mark 10:46-47
Jesus and the disciples were leaving the city of Jericho when they met this blind man.
As they walked down the road, Bartimaeus heard the crowd following Jesus. He recognized the Lord because the people were obviously talking about Him.
Bartimaeus probably knew about Jesus.
But why would Jesus even see Bartimaeus? He was just an impaired beggar.
But Jesus sees us. El Roi is one of God’s names. God sees
Bartimaeus’ impairment limited him to just yelling out Jesus’ name. The crowd was probably large and loud. How would you feel in that moment? It would be chaotic for a blind person.
You couldn’t see the target of your hope.
But read the verses above. Bartimaeus knew about Jesus and believed. He believed Jesus was the Messiah. He knew Jesus cared about the down and out.
But still, that crowd.
I think Bartimaeus knew it wasn’t hopeless. He knew the Messiah listened for the small voices that were pushed down by the religious leaders and people looking for a show. He knew because of Jesus’ reputation.
Look at verse 48. We see another obstacle for Bartimaeus. As he begins to yell to get Jesus’ attention the crowd pushes back. They yell at him to be quiet. With persistence, Bartimaeus yells louder.
God really does love the broken, sinful, sick and hurting in our world. He listens when they cry out to Him.
Bartimaeus is undeterred by the crowd. He is driven by faith, which is proven by a remarkable request. ”Son of David, have mercy on me.” Why is that remarkable?
Bartimaeus believed Jesus was who He claimed to be. He was the Messiah who came to save the world.
Somewhere in his life, in spite of blindness, he must have received training in the Torah. That is how he knew to call Him the Son of David.
But just having the knowledge did not equal faith. The pious Pharisees had the knowledge. But they had empty hearts because they did not believe.
But Bartimaeus had been prepared to “watch” for the Messiah. He had the knowledge and a heart full of faith.
The next thing that happened is what has happened for every true believer. Jesus called to Bartimaeus. Look at verse 49.
Has this happened for you yet?
The disciples told Bartimaeus, “Cheer up! Come on! He’s calling for you.” That is the best invitation you will ever receive. He is calling for every lost person.
Finally, in verse 50 Bartimaeus takes the step of faith required to be redeemed. He accepted Jesus’ invitation. The passage says he got up, threw aside his cloak and went to Jesus.
Let’s see how the story ends:
Mark 10:51-52 (NLT)
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.
“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.
Pay attention to that last part. It ought to make you smile. Jesus told him to go because his faith healed him. But like a happy little boy who wants to walk with his dad, Bartimaeus just keeps walking with Jesus!
Don’t you want to have a heart for Jesus just like Bartimaeus?
The Pharisees, the crowds, and blindness were potential obstacles to Bartimaeus’ faith.
But really, the only obstacle for him or us is our own heart. When Jesus calls, we have to believe and follow Him by faith.
Jesus tells us how true believers become faithful followers and ably avoid the traps set by the big business of empty religion and false faith. John 10
Isaiah, the Old Testament Prophet wrote about this.
Isaiah 40:11 & 25-31 (NLT)
This week, why not take the time to study Jesus’ words about knowing what Voice is real. Who can you faithfully follow? Only Jesus can help us hear the true Shepherd, through the voice of the Holy Spirit.
If you can’t hear that Voice in your heart, why not ask Him to help you today? He will. He is a faithful Friend.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 