Hi
I wrote this in 2020 and God took me back to this story today. It really blessed me and think it'll bless you too.
I hope God speaks to you through this story. I think he will :) so here it is...
In biblical times, most occupations required physical labour. In those times, anyone with a crippling disease or handicapped were at a great disadvantage.
So, those who were handicapped and unable to work were given cloaks giving them permission to beg.
You would recognise a legit beggar by this cloak which was their only source of income and their only possession.
When a blind beggar called Bartimaues heard Jesus was walking by where he was sitting, He started shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."
'Son of David' was a term used for the Messiah, as it was prophesied that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David.
Bartimaeus knew Jesus was the Messiah, and spoke from that place of knowing the Truth that Jesus was his path to healing.
Many people rebuked him and asked him to keep quiet, but he persisted and shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
I love how the rest of the story unveils...
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
I love that Jesus always has time for people who call out to Him.
So, they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”
At this point the blind man throws his cloak aside, jumps to his feet and comes to Jesus.
This is my favourite part of the story.
I can almost sense Bartimaeus’s excitement of what awaits him.
I think throwing his cloak aside was his way of putting his old life as a blind beggar behind him.
Knowing that he will never be doing this again and jumping to his feet, is like a child on Christmas morning waiting to receive his / her gift - he knew that his prayer was about to be answered.
What I love is that he does all this even though there is no physical evidence of it yet.
But he knew one thing which made everything else possible: He knew who he was going to be dealing with Jesus!
Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Jesus is a gentleman and the most gracious giver; and even though He knows what it is exactly that you need, He will always ask you because He wants you to know that you are worthy of it.
So, be bold and ask God for what you want from this place of truth: that Jesus is your Healer, Provider, Saviour and the only One who can set you free forever.
Knowing this and believing this truth will set you free.
The blind man says, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
And Jesus answers
“Go, your faith has healed you.”
And he immediately sees and starts following Jesus.
I like this story a lot because there is a Bartimaeus in all of us.
There are parts of our lives which are void & empty and which need healing.
I like his boldness and his childlike faith in Jesus - the ultimate healer.
Be like Bartimaeus. Don't stop reaching out to God
for whatever it is that you are struggling with.
No matter how impossible it seems.
God can make the impossible possible for you.
As always, I am so grateful for you and thank you for making time for me.
Stay blessed , happy and inspired.
XO,
Indu