Friday, March 4
Scripture: Luke 18:35-43

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Scripture: John 9:6-7
When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes,  and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing.

JESUS HEALS A BLIND BEGGAR

Ever feel like a blind beggar?  Just sitting in the dirt on the side of the road, feeling disconnected from the world, unable to truly see and enjoy the things that others are experiencing, and perhaps even a bit hopeless in your situation?

I love the story of the blind beggar Bartimaeus receiving his sight because I think we can all relate at some level with this poor man.  Perhaps for us not all the particulars of his story would apply, whether his abject poverty, physical disability, or extreme lack of respect or social status, because let’s face it, Bartimaeus was at rock bottom. And perhaps we can all relate to his human condition of needing the healing touch of the Savior!

Because you see, this blind beggar knew better than most that he was incapable of survival without the help of the generous, the advice and direction of the wise, and ultimately the glorious and complete healing touch of Jesus, Son of David.

Most of us try and live our lives in our own power. We are sufficient in our own strength and success and proud of our vision and what we have accomplished.  We believe and act like we are able to easily make our way through this life…until we can’t.

Bartimaeus couldn’t live that way.  His daily life was a struggle to find a coin here or there, to eat a scrap given to him by someone already full, and blindly find his way to that dirt spot on the side of the road for another day.  And then everything changed with Christ’s appearance.

When he heard who the crowd followed he realized that now was the time.  This was the one whom he needed.  In fact he was even sternly corrected for calling out to the Son of God by others that did not understand or care about his plight.  Even with the criticism, he cried out yet LOUDER!  You have to appreciate his tenacious spirit, for after all, just like us, he had no other hope!

I also love the Savior’s response.  Christ called for Bartimaeus to be brought to him, for Christ cared about the man and cares deeply for our human condition.  When Christ asked, ”What do you want Me to do for you?”  There were the man’s simple words of faith and God’s amazing miracle. “I want to regain my sight!”  In that moment, I know the God of the Universe understood all that this man had experienced.  God knows about the painful jabs of others, the stumbling blindness, the frustration of the lack of understanding, and the shortcomings of a life without the vision and purpose that only He can bring.

And, because of his faith, in a moment, he was healed and began to follow Christ!

Are you feeling a little like Bartimaeus today, blind and begging on the side of the road?  Cry out to Jesus. In faith ask that he restore your sight, follow Him, and He will do a miracle in you.

PRAYER

Father, for those today who may feel like the blind beggar Bartimaeus, wrapped in darkness and confusion, living a life in need of the Savior’s touch and healing, may you bring light and vision that wipe away doubt and despair.  Thank you that you know us, our shortcomings and failures, and love us regardless of our condition.  Change us from within, our Savior and Healer, that we might have the vision and hope that only you can provide.  
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Rick Bee, Senior Director of Alumni and Parents