March 16, 2020
I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today, is from the book of Mark 10:47- 49, “..When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth he began to cry out and say, “Jesus son of David, have mercy on me.” Then many warned him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more. “Son of David, have mercy on me.”So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him be of good cheer. Rise He is calling you.”
Today we find people making fun of beggars and poor folks who roam about on the street so untidy and begging for food. Even the dogs go chasing and barking at them, because of their shabby state. But I would like to introduce a humble person called Jesus, who went about doing good to all who came in contact with Him. He was a God of mercy. He came to save those who were caught up in sin. To preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, and to proclaim liberty to the captives. He healed the sick, and those possessed with evil spirit, made the lame to walk and caused the blind to see. One such incident took place on the way to Jericho, while Jesus lived on this earth 2000 years ago.
Once, Jesus was walking on the streets of Jericho. A multitude of people followed him. There was a rush of noise all over the street because most of the people were excited to see Jesus. Those who come to Jesus must come to Him by faith. At that time people on the street informed Bartimeus that Jesus was passing by. He was anxious to meet Jesus for he believed that if only he met Jesus he would receive his sight.
Every day to fill his belly he would sit on the street and beg for alms with an out stretched arms. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he was very anxious to meet him. He did not want to miss this opportunity. There was no one to help him or take him to Jesus. All were engaged with one thing or other. All were busy following Jesus. They anticipated that he would perform miracles. And so did Bartimeus the son of Timaeus begging on the roadside. He struggled himself in the crowd to meet Jesus. The best thing he could do was to cry out to Jesus. “He said, “Jesus son of David, have mercy on me.” But many warned him to be quiet but he cried out all the more. “Son Of David have mercy on me.”
Hearing the cry of the blind man Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. So the people asked the blind man to rise up and go to Jesus. The moment he was called by Jesus He threw off his old garment and he rose and came up to him. Jesus asked him, “ What do you want me to do for you? ” Bartimeus replied “ Rabboni, I need to receive my sight.”Then Jesus said, Go your way, your faith has made you well.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Jesus knew the heart of Bartimeus. He also knew that he needed sight, very badly. He was not interested in begging alms. He had no other way, so he sat begging. He wanted to earn his living by doing some work so he wanted sight. Jesus came to his aid and since he cried out in faith Jesus gave him sight instantly. His faith was honoured. For God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think of. For everyone who asks receives.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Lord we thank You because You know our needs and answer our tearful prayers. When we cry, You listen to our cry. Lord you took pity on Bartimeus and gave him sight. Teach us to increase our faith in You. And cry out to You for help. May we realize your goodness and love You, for what You are.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
