Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Mark 10: 46-52
10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] son of David, have mercy on me.
10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] son of David, have mercy on me.
10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Some With Eyes See Nothing-
It is only when the sinner feels the need of a Saviour, that his heart goes after the One who can help him. When Jesus walked among men, it was the sick that wanted a physician. The poor, the afflicted and distressed, followed after him, to receive the help and comfort which they could not find elsewhere. Blind Bartimaeus is waiting by the wayside; he has waited long to meet Christ. Throngs of people who possess their sight are passing to and fro, but they have no desire to see Jesus. One look of faith would touch his heart of love, and bring them the blessings of his grace; but they know not the sickness and poverty of their souls, and they feel no need of Christ. Not so with the poor blind man. His only hope is in Jesus. As he waits and watches, he hears the tread of many feet, and he eagerly inquires, What means this noise of travel? The by-standers answer that “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” With the eagerness of intense desire, he cries, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” They try to silence him, but he cries the more vehemently, “Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!” This appeal is heard. His persevering faith is rewarded. Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened. In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of righteousness shines into his soul. All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimaeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave. {RH March 15, 1887, par. 3}
The afflicted, suffering ones who sought Christ as their helper, were charmed with the divine perfection, the beauty of holiness, that shone forth in his character. But the Pharisees could see no beauty in him that they should desire him. His simple attire, and humble life, devoid of outward show, rendered him to them as a root out of dry ground. {RH March 15, 1887, par. 4}
We must all see our need for Christ Jesus. Though blind Bartimaeus could not physically see, he saw his need. He had heard of what Jesus did for others, and by his faith cried out to Jesus, who gave him his sight. How many today that have their physical sight, yet are blind to their need for Christ. Even Christians, who are followers of Christ, can become complacent- rich, and increased with goods, and in need of nothing, and not realize they are blind. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We come into Your presence, knowing that we need a savior. We see our need for You in our life, and pray for the continual outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our life. We cannot do anything on our own. We are mere mortals and pray to be saved that we may spend eternity in Your presence. Heal us, dear Lord, and restore us to the creature You created in Your own image, without spot or blemish and blameless. We pray for Your help in leading others to You that they may be saved. Bless us and keep us, forgive us of our sins, heal us and save us we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.
