When our son, Graham, was a little guy, he loved to be read to. I remember a favorite Bible Story book, with large print and beautiful illustrations. It had maybe eight or so sweet Bible stories, but Graham always chose the same one - he was completely taken with Blind Bartimaeus.
One day, when he was 2 1/2 years old, during a visit from his grandparents, Graham found the Bartimaeus story in his book, and brought it to his Mimi. Of course, she thought he wanted her to read the story to him, but, instead, the little dude started reading it aloud to her! "Poor Bartimaeus, his eyes were sick. He couldn't see the sky, he couldn't see the sun, he couldn't see anything."
Surely, we had a child-genius on our hands. Reading Bible stories at 2 years old. I'd have bragging rights in my Moms group for years to come.
Wishful thinking. The kiddo had heard the story so many times, he had it memorized - word for word. Even when to turn the page! Funny how our minds - even at 2 years old - can retain things that are important to us, things we love. And Graham loved Blind Bartimaeus.
I love the story of Bartimaeus, too. We meet him in Mark, chapter 10. He's the beggar on the side of the road. He heard a crowd coming his way, and learned that Jesus was among them. Despite the rebukes for him to be quiet and behave, he just couldn't contain himself.
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me," he shouted, obviously loud enough to get the job done. He got Jesus' attention. Mark says that Jesus stopped, and called for this blind beggar.
Bartimaeus was up, on his feet, and running toward Jesus like a crazy man. Moments later, face to face, Jesus asks him "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus knew. He never asks a question because He needs information. Bartimaeus was given the opportunity to present his request before the Lord. And, present it he did. "Rabbi, I want to see." Respectful, yet straightforward. Blunt. Honest. He didn't waste words. Bartimaeus knew what he wanted and he knew who to ask.
That kind of faith must have made Jesus' heart happy. I just know that His face must have broken into a bright, wide smile. "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you."
The Bible says that Bartimaeus "immediately received his sight." Do you know what that means? The first thing he saw was the face of Jesus Christ.
That's worth saying again. The first thing Blind Bartemaeus saw was the face of Jesus Christ.
Bartimaeus shows us a supernatural formula: Our Faith + God's Grace = A Miracle.
We can learn a lot from this formerly blind beggar. First, he knew he was helpless, but he knew who to turn to. He knew his only hope was in Jesus. He made his request known boldly. At the risk of rebuke, ridicule and embarassment, he made a racket that wouldn't be ignored. In sheer desparation, he called out to Jesus. Jesus heard. Jesus answered.
Next, when Jesus called for him, he ran to Him. He even threw his cloak (probably one of his only earthly possessions) aside so nothing would slow him down. What slows me down in my pursuit of Jesus. Pride? Unbelief? What do I need to throw down?
And, after looking into the face of the of the King of Kings, Bartimaeus followed Him along the road. If I had been him, there's nothing that would have stopped me from staying as close to Jesus as I could. Forever.
But, wait, I am him. Just like Bartimaues, I once was blind, but now, I see.
All because of God's grace.
Amazing.
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