Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight
"Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus."What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." -Mark 10: 45-52
Once again, Friday morning comes, and excitement rattles my bones. ESL classes at Highrock have been so life-giving for me here in Cambridge. Gathered in a room full of believers and non-believers alike, we delve into the Word after English class to receive fresh insight in ways that I've never experienced before. Today, God spoke against my stubborn tendency to do. I find myself constantly asking, "God, what can I do for you?" when He is actually telling me something else.
Be like the blind beggar, Cathy. Throw your cloak aside. Throw aside your most treasured possession and come to me. Jump to your feet and come to me.
As I look through my emails and long list of to-dos, I'm starting to understand now.
What do you want me to do for you?
This is mind-boggling. This is almost exasperating. How could the God of the universe, the God of my very breath moving through my lungs right now, dare ask me this question?
Lord, I want more faith. I want to see you the way the blind man did. Because if I don't see you for who you really are, I will never be willing or able to throw my cloak aside. Grant me this.
