Seizing the Miracle
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. 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.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him,“What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:48-51 ESV
There are many miracles of healing that Jesus performed. This is one of the only individuals that is mentioned by name instead of in general terms. That may be due to the fact that this man had been in this condition so long, that he was the familiar fixture on the road begging for a few shekels from those who passed by.
Someone in this situation would be someone who you would expect to just be so adjusted to his lot that the thought of a miracle to restore his sight would not be on his mind. That is why he was called, “Blind Bartimaeus.”
I remember when I was scheduled to go home from the hospital in November of 2013. I still had some significant health issues that I was concerned about and how they could be addressed with me at home. When I expressed my concern to the head nurse, she thought that I had become, “institutionalized.” In other words, I had become so accustomed to being hospitalized, going home was more disconcerting than staying in the hospital. So, it its not unusual, to become so “comfortable” and adjusted to your situation that it becomes your identity.
However, when Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was coming, he viewed this as an opportunity for his life to be changed. He makes such a ruckus in calling for Jesus to “have mercy” on him that Jesus stopped and called for him. His persistence and willingness to not give up, to not let the opportunity pass by, got Jesus’ attention.
Jesus asks him an unusual question, “what would you have me to do?” The need seemed obvious, at least to others. But did Bartimaeus want a hand out or a new life? Was he ready for his sight to be restored and to have a new identity? In many situations the simple statement of faith is the say with faith and earnest desire, “I want to be healed!” “I want my life to go in a new direction!” At times that which you pray for, can create an adjustment that you are not prepared for.
Bartimaeus would need to take on a new level of responsibility and a new identity. That is not always easy. I recall hearing accounts of a wife praying for her alcoholic husband and when he gives his life to Christ and begins a new life, the adjustment was so great, the marriage ends in divorce. As strange as that sounds, it has happened.
Miracles are seized when there is a strong faith, a willingness to seize the opportunity and a willingness to accept a new identity and a new life.
Prayer for today… Lord thank You for Your mercy. Thank You that You respond to the cry of desperation; not only the desperation of a need to be met, but the desire for a new life to begin.