Here He Stands

Mark 10:47

New International Version

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

For Meditation

As the saying goes, what you hunger after reflects your life. Doesn’t one’s greatest desire drive their passion?

There is always one thing we wish we could have. It consumes us so much that we hang everything else on it. We let nothing distract us from what we desire and long to have.

That was the situation of blind Bartimaeus when Jesus appeared on his radar. He had a single hunger to satisfy—to see! Darkness had become his prison, longing for a rescuer. When will light appear so that he may see the beauty of God’s creation?

Around He came—Jesus of Nazareth—Light of the world! Possessor of power and authority to illumine his poor soul. But the crowd—always a hindrance. They had no mercy or feeling for the needy. But not that day for the poor blind man. It was his best opportunity to receive his sight. The love and mercy of Jesus were too kind to let go, and grace was too precious to forsake!

“Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” the crowd snapped.

“Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and called for him. O, how I long to see the look on the faces of those who told Bartimaeus to shut up when Jesus asked them to call him!

For that burning desire in his poor soul, the Master stopped to satisfy. His voice was so soothing and comforting to the poor man’s ears.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

No one ever asked about the hunger of his soul; none ever cared so much.

“Rabbi, I want to see.”

All he needed—all he cared for, was to see the face of Jesus before any other.

“Go… Your faith has healed you.”

“I can see!”

When the Light shines…! What a beauty!

Jesus had rescued him from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). It will never be his home and life again. All to Jesus, he surrendered his life.

But Bartimaeus had a higher decision to make—to walk with Jesus or take his healing and go away to live his life as the world presented to him. It is a decision everyone has to make when touched by the Master. Will He be Lord or just a liberator?

The world seeks your friendship now, but what did it do for you before Jesus came your way? Where did your flesh lead you but to death? And the enemy of your soul? You decide what you will do with his persistent invitations.

So there He stands. Taller and most majestic than all—Jesus Messiah. Will He be your Lord as much as your Savior?

For Bartimaeus, it was Jesus all the way. There was no Leader and Guide as the Author of life— Giver of faith to receive life. Today, Bartimaeus presents Him to you—Jesus, Son of God!

What is your response?