July 19
Mark 10:46-52
It's okay to ask Jesus for things. When we are praying, asking should not be the only thing that we do. It is important that we take time to praise, thank, and listen to God. However, it IS okay to ask for what we need. This is one of those things that some people have trouble with. If God knows everything, doesn't He already know what we need? Well, yes, He does. But He wants us to ask anyway. Bartimaeus was blind. Don't you think that Jesus probably knew what the man wanted Him to do? Still, "'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked him." (vs. 51 NIV) Think about it this way. If we never had to ask God for anything - if He always just read our minds, then we wouldn't really be relying on Him. When we are in trouble, when we are sick, when our eyes are blinded, we need to call on Jesus. And as He has proven over and over, when we call on Him, He will give us sight. "I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see."
Principle: Persistent calling upon Jesus opens spiritually blind eyes.
Application:
1. What specific things do I want Jesus to do for me today?
2. Will I daily ask Jesus to show me my blindness, confess it, ask for healing, and follow His guidance?
3. In what ways have I persisted in seeking Jesus when others have rebuked me and told me to stop?
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"Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." I see a connection between sight and following. Bartimaeus was physically blind, but once he could see he immediatley followed Jesus. Isn't the same thing true when our spiritual eyes are opened? Why don't more people follow? Jesus said they "walk in darkness." I pray that God will open my eyes so that I will do a better job of following.
ReplyDeleteI bet when Bartimaeus was shouting for Jesus he didn't think some girl in the year 2009 would think, "Man I want to be like him." But Bartimaeus received more than his sight that day, he received a place in God's Word and eventually a place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI have heard some people talk about being dignified in their approach to God because He is holy and should be respected, but Bartimaeus represents an approach that caused a response. He shouted until Jesus responded. I know of people who have cried out to God about a singular subject over and over. If I'd been able to see them when they were crying out, I would probably have thought they looked undignified. I'm sure I've looked that way too. And I know Bartimaeus was not looking dignified to those around him when he was crying out, but he didn't stop. He persisted.
I want to persist on behalf of several people I know. I think I do a great job of persisting where my needs are concerned, but I want to be a persist-er for others.
Bartimaeus: I'm learning the lesson. Thanks for the example. (Ha!)
When I close my eyes and imagine Jesus face to face, saying to ME “What do you want me to do for you Linda?” I can’t even comprehend the awesomeness. But He is there just as much for me as He was for Bartimaeus. And then I don’t want to forget to ask Him what can I do for YOU :)
ReplyDeleteUpdate on day51…I had mentioned that a friend I had worked for had been killed in a car accident(age55) and I did not know if I had shared Jesus with her; well,after Church today, waiting in line at Walmart, a former co-worker came up to me and told me that our friend had just found a church and had gotten saved. Our rejoicing must have gotten the attention of those behind me and I was thankful for the chance to publically Praise The Lord in her name.
Linda! That is awesome. I'm so glad you got to find that out! That is so amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhen we ask in faith Jesus will take care of our needs. Sarah as I think about your comments in regards to asking for things. I think about my job, even when I know what my students need I want then to learn communication skills and I will wait until they ask before giving it to them. I think God is like that with us in many ways. He wants us to build our faith by asking Him for things. I am sure those of you who are parents have done this very thing.
ReplyDeleteLinda I am glad God revealed that information to you.