As I first read this passage many years ago, I only saw it as another miracle of healing that Jesus did. Bartimaeus was simply another in the long line of people who had come to Jesus looking for such.
Yet, in my subsequent readings I began to notice the heart of Bartimaeus and it can be seen in the seven word respone to Jesus' question.
'Lord, that I may receive my sight."
In the time prior to he and Jesus talking, Bartimaeus was on the side of the highway begging for alms, food or help. I've not read it in the scriptures but he must have been blind for some time or from birth?
What catches my 'eye' this time around is the simplicity of his answer, "that I may receive my sight."
Bartimaeus was probably at the lowest point of his life. He is blind, hungry, dirty and in need of some hope. Day by day Baritmaeus hears the crowds of people go by. There are families, children, religious leaders and others to whom he calls out asking "can you please help me? Anything will do."
No replies. In his heart he may have given up.
However, on this day the peoples were a little more boisteruous. The conversations have taken a different tone and the air had a 'static charge' to it. What could it be?
HIs heart stood up in place as the name rung a bell within...Jesus!!! Could it really be true?
Bartimaeus cried out all-the-more, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me."
Passersby tried to stifle his shouts to no avail. "Son of David, have mercy on me."
Jesus stood still and asked that Bartimaeus be brought to Him.
"What would you have me to do for you?" Jesus said.
"Lord, that I may receive my sight." Bartimaeus answered.
My favorite song of all-time is Amazing Grace. The title tells why. Bartimaeus represents me and so many others in this world today when they are in their darkest hour. He asked of man if they could help him and give him something that would be an escape from his current plight. Something temporary, everyday. When he found no one could satisfy him he lost hope. Until Jesus came along.
It was then that his pleas became stronger, his spirit came alive like no time before. Now is the time.
"Lord, that I may receive..."
Humble.
Honest.
Heartfelt.
His faith and the attitude of his heart was all that Jesus needed to see and blind Bartimaeus was blind no more.
Many people are living in darkness and yet their eyes are open.
Many people see and hear the crowds pass them by, but do not cry out for the One who can stop and help them.
It does not matter if you are by the side of the road, in your living room, outside under the stars, in a darkened room or in a hospital bed. Cry out to Jesus and He will come to your side and give you what we all truly need. Himself.
Jesus came to this earth from heaven for the express purpose of dying. Dying for your sins and mine on the cross of calvary because we were seperated from God because of sin.
That is why His blood ran down that cross, so we can find forgiveness and be made right in the eyes of God once again.
Pray to God and He will hear you. Ask God to forgive you of your sins (he will) and make Jesus Lord and Saviour of your life (mean it) and let the Holy Spirit guide you in the truths of His Words. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!
When you hear a voice saying "What would you have me to do for you?"
Answer "Lord, that I may receive...."
Only you can finish that statement.
Only you can make that decision to follow Jesus or not.
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