How Can I Help You?

Mark 10:46-52King James Version (KJV)

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.

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.

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.

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.

50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

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.

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.

Dear Friends,

Blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho. I imagine  that as he sat on the side of the road, his heart was filled with hope.  If only he could get the Lord's attention. 

As the blind man became aware that Jesus was in close proximity he began to cry out.  He would not be discouraged by those in the crowd who tried to shush him and make Him be quiet.

Have you ever felt that as you sought to draw nearer to the Lord with prayer, more intense study, sincere praise, there are those who tried to "shush you." Well consider  Bartimaeus, he just cried louder: "Thou Son of David have mercy on me."

We are told that Jesus stood still. He commanded that the blind man be called into His presence. The question Jesus asked was basic "How can I help you?"  The blind man's request was: "Lord I want to receive my sight."

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.

Bartimaeus was healed because he dared to call out in faith to the One he knew had the power to grant his request.

The Lord is still granting petitions.  The Holy Spirit is asking: "How can I help you?"  Sometimes we struggle with burdens too immense because we are trying to carry them on our own. You don't have to. The Lord is near.

Call out to the Lord. He's listening.

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie