Message Preached on November 27, 2022 by Pastor Cynthia D. Bellamy
There are things in life we need immediately. Too often we pray and we say “right now, God” but certain things need immediate results. We need God to come through quick, fast, and in a hurry. He needs to show up like before we lose it.
In Mark 10: 46-52, we read of the blind man in Jericho by the name of Bartimaeus who sat by the highway side, begging. Many of times we ourselves come to Jesus with a specific need and in search of a healing. God will heal or provide that need, right; then we leave. Then something else comes our way, and we come back to him for yet another healing. Bartimaeus in the scripture begging shows there was an immediate need. He was in need of an immediate healing. However, he heard about the man name Jesus. Hearing of Jesus, he began to publicly cry out his needs to be heard. Sometimes we are just begging others but they don’t really understand what you need. The need can only be met by Jesus.
The people around Bartimaeus in hearing him cry out, wanted him to hold his peace. While begging and reaching out to others, the people then did not silence him. However, the time when Jesus is near is when they wanted him to hold his peace. Bartimaeus thought not, and cried the more to be heard. Often, there are those in our surroundings that want us to stay in that begging position. However, we need to realize only Jesus can remove us from that begging position. Bartimaeus had persistence and determination. He knew what he wanted from Jesus. Can you say the same about yourself? Are you persistent and determined to receive your needs from God? Calling on the name of Jesus is the only way to get an answer and for Him to show up on your behalf.
In Jesus’ healing throughout scripture, they are not always the same. With this particular text, Jesus called and told the disciples to bring him. Jesus wanted to know what Bartimaeus was in need of. In relating to ourselves, when we have God’s attention we better know what to ask for! It is not time to ask for a car, a house, or these materialistic things but it is time to seek His Kingdom first. What is it you need God to do in that opportunity? Bartimaeus knew what to ask Jesus, and it was for him to receive his sight.
When you call Jesus, He will reply but what will your own reply be? In that moment, you need to respond. Calling Jesus implies there is a need in your life. Bartimaeus calling on the name of Jesus, received his sight but it did not end with him simply receiving his sight and going about his way. After receiving his sight from Jesus, Bartimaeus followed in Jesus’ way. What is this saying? When God does something for you, your way is no longer yours but it shall mirror the way of Christ. Not only was Bartimaeus healed, Jesus saved him, and he begin following Jesus’ way.
Put down your way and begin to follow Jesus! You may come for one thing but once you hear about Jesus there is no excuse. You must come to a conclusion you no longer want to go through these life cycles, that has you stuck over and over. No longer desiring to be in the same place constantly but now desiring to follow Jesus. You must believe in Jesus over believing others. Bartimaeus’ faith healed him and saved him. You, on the other, do not have to stay in the condition you are in or remain on a rollercoaster.
Jesus gave Bartimaeus a choice after he received what he needed, either to leave or follow Him. What will you do after you receive your needs, your healing, that deliverance? Will you leave or choose to follow Christ?
