Mark 10 tells us the account of Blind Bartimaeus. This is a story I remember from Sunday School when I was a little girl, and also from telling it myself in numerous Sunday School classes through the years. I really admire the faith of Bartimaeus.
Evidently he had heard about Jesus as His fame was spreading throughout the country. Jesus was leaving Jerusalem with his disciples and a large crowd followed him. The commotion caused Bartimaeus, who was sitting along side the road begging to know that something was going on. When he heard it was Jesus he really got excited and began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” He began to SHOUT. He wasn’t shy about it, he wasn’t timid, he wasn’t afraid to voice his need.
People tried to get him to shut up but he shouted louder. This caught the attention of Jesus who said “Call him.” Notice Bartimaeus’ reaction. He threw aside his cloak and jumped to his feet. He wasn’t wasting any time. When Jesus asked him what he wanted Jesus to do for him, he said “I want to see.” Jesus healed him instantly.
I think Jesus is saying the same thing to us. “What do you want me to do for you?” With each of us the answer will be different. I know what I want Jesus to do for me and I am praying for that daily. But we have to ask, and be specific. Jesus wants us to voice our requests. We have to know what we want; not just a generality. I haven’t received the instant answer to my prayer that Bartimaeus received, but I know He’s hearing me because Scripture says when we pray He hears!! I know in God’s time He will answer. I’m just learning patience.
Sometimes we have to take possession of what the Lord has given us. This was the case in Judges 11. Jephthah answered the Ammonite king when he requested that Israel give territory back to him that he felt had been taken away from him. Jephthah answered, “Whatever the Lord our God has given us, we will possess. (Verse 24).
Has the Lord spoken a promise to your heart? Possess it!! Do you feel there is something he has given you? Possess it. Don’t let the enemy take it from you, like that Ammonite king wanted to do with Israel, because Satan is in the business of stealing from God’s people. Jesus said Satan is a thief and comes only steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
What do you want from the Lord? Possess what he already has given you.
Tomorrows Bible Reading - Judges 12, Acts 16, Jeremiah 25, Mark 11
God is good all the time,
Naomi Brinkman
1 comment:
So true! Even in the small things God provides. I have been wanting a Rhema Card (the ones they create at the City Church) to help me pray. Instead of purchasing it, I just prayed that God would bless me. I was organizing my closets today and a Rhema card fell from the top shelf! The exact one I wanted, God is so good! We can be specific in our prayers and He is faithful!
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