"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." Mark 10:46-52. NKJV
Today, we'll look at another example of robbers of your faith. Jesus was on His way to the Passover and this meant walking through Jericho. At this time of year, many gathered on the side of the road as it was the custom that a distinguished Rabbi or Teacher, on making this trip, would preach as they walked along. Everyone was expected to attend the Passover but it was not always possible for this to happen. Therefore, they would wait at the side of the road to try and hear what God was saying through the preacher.
Bartimaeus was probably one of the first to find a place. He had done this many times as it was a good place to do his begging. This time though, he had been told that Jesus would be walking through, someone he desperately wanted to see. What Bartimaeus had was not just a vague desire to see Jesus but a desperate desire. He knew that this urgent desire would be noticed by Jesus. It is this type of desire for Jesus that gets God's attention.
He started calling out repeatedly to Jesus as He walked past, 'Son of David, have mercy on me.' v47. He became so vocal in using this acknowledgement of the Messiahship of Jesus, by calling Him the Son of David, that people near to him, warned him not to do this and to be quiet. The people were berating his faith in Jesus so much, that it became intimidation along with threats. Bartimaeus was adamant, he would not be robbed of this once in a life time chance of meeting with Jesus. Nothing was going to stop him.
It worked; Jesus heard him and called him over. Despite being blind, Bartimaeus shot up and made his way over to Jesus. He knew what he wanted and that Jesus could provide it. Jesus said to him, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' He replied, 'Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.' Jesus replied, 'Go your way, your faith has made you well.' Bartimaeus was instantly healed, and the only way he was going to go now, was to follow Jesus.
Notice once again how the robbers of faith used their intimidation to stop Batimaeus from receiving his healing. He was in faith, but they considered him, just a reject. The fact is, Bartimaeus could now see. He wasn't a reject to Jesus, he was special, the same as you and I. He could easily have been pushed over, beaten or even trod on, before he went over to see Jesus. But he gave that no thought. He knew Jesus had the answer to his predicament and he was not going to lose the opportunity that was there for the taking.
In church services, many hold back from going forward when there has been a prophetic word concerning a certain condition or a call for salvation. They know that they should go forward, and they want to, but they're frightened. Someone may laugh at them, or point the finger. The enemy may have mentioned to them, this is all a con.
We should always take the chances that God gives us. One day we may run out of chances. Bartimaeus knew that this was probably his only chance, it may be yours. Take that step towards Jesus, despite what others may say or think. Receive your healing, let Jesus commission you to preach that Word, or even make that step towards working for Jesus. You'll never know if you allow people to hold you back.
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
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