Living in the Spirit
October 28, 2018
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
‘What do you want me to do for you?’ This is an intriguing question. Jesus says in Matthew 7:7 ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. So, He does expect us to ask for something, but what do we really want from God and is what we want from God what we really need?
The largest lottery award in the United States had a potential winner, although I have not heard if the prize was claimed. I did not buy a ticket, but I admit I did wonder what I would do with such a large sum of money. About 70 percent of people who suddenly receive a windfall of cash will lose it within a few years, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education*. It is amazing how quickly money can slip through our fingers, but the accumulation of money is often perceived as the answer to all our problems.
Bartimaeus wanted to be able to see again. I think we can all identify with such a desire. Loss of eyesight is a very challenging disability. Spiritual blindness is an even greater hindrance to a meaningful life. Wholeness of spirit results from being in right relationship with God. As we ponder the question when Jesus asks us ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ we surely must consider requesting healing our spiritual blindness.
Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see your way, your truth, and your life. Amen.
*http://time.com/4176128/powerball-jackpot-lottery-winners/