Godly Gals ~ Karen Frith

Mark 10:51 (NLT)

“What do you want me to do for you”? Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

We read in Mark 10:46-52 of Jesus visiting Jericho and a blind man named Bartimaeus calling after him, loudly and repeatedly.

Jesus heard him, stopped, called him over and then asked the blind man what it was that he wanted from him.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

It is plain for all to see (apologies for the pun) that Bartimaeus could not see and what he required was a restoration of vision.

Jesus all knowing, knew what he needed; so you may think it a strange question initially.

Once he was asked the question Bartimaeus clearly explained that he wanted to see.

This got me to reflecting. What about all those longings inside of us, that we do not voice to Jesus or ask for? When was it that we stopped and chose to ‘sit’ where we are and not call out?

I believe we need to declare in faith and ask for what we need; sharing the longings of our heart.

Often we keep our feelings inside, even from ourselves because we doubt that there could ever be change or improvement.

Years of past disappointments and past longings unrealised have formed sediments of doubt in our hearts – we stop ‘going there’ even in our thoughts.

Well I know I have done this. I’m putting my hand up.

But it does beg the question – what is it that we want? We talk at times of feeling disappointed, how such and such does not happen, but seriously- what is it that we want? What is it?

Bartimaeus did not let this opportunity pass him by. He recognised Jesus, even in his poverty and his situation, yet was not silenced by the rebuke of the crowds around him.

They said be silent, he cried out all the more for Jesus.

“Tell him to come here” said Jesus.

The Blind man got up, threw off his cloak and moved out of the spot where he had sat and where life had passed him by. He now by getting up grasped the opportunity with hope in his heart, with faith.

His sight was restored.

Let’s press through the crowd and call for Jesus. Throw off that cloak and all that hinders, entangles and holds us back.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”