“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” (Mark 10:51, NIV)
It is only when we recognize our own brokenness that we truly seek a Healer. When Jesus lived among us, it was the sick who sought out the doctor. The poor, the suffering, and the desperate followed Him because He offered a level of help and comfort that the rest of the world simply couldn’t provide.
Consider “Blind Bartimaeus,” sitting by the roadside. He had waited a long time for a chance to encounter Christ. All around him, crowds of people with perfect physical vision were busy going about their lives, yet they had no interest in seeing Jesus. A single look of faith would have connected them to His divine love, mercy, and grace, but they were largely unaware of their own spiritual “sickness.” Because they didn’t feel they lacked anything, they felt no need for Jesus. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he lacked. In his eyes, even though he was physically blind, Bartimaeus knew his only hope was Jesus.
As Bartimaeus sat waiting, he heard the sound of a large crowd. He asked what was happening, and when people told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” he didn’t hesitate. With intense desperation, Bartimaeus shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:46)
Even when the people around him tried to shut him up, Bartimaeus only cried out louder. His persistence paid off. Jesus heard him, and his unwavering faith was rewarded. Bartimaeus received more than just his physical sight; his spiritual eyes were opened as well. He recognized Christ as his Redeemer, and the light of Heaven flooded his soul.(Mark 10:52)
This amazing story of Bartimaeus serves as the perfect blueprint for people today. “Anyone who recognizes their need for Christ as clearly as Bartimaeus did will find Him.” God loves you and His promise is for you: “You will seek Him, and you will find Him, when you search for Him with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Anyone who is as earnest and determined as Bartimaeus was will receive the blessings they seek. Those who suffered and turned to Jesus were captivated by His divine character and the “beauty of holiness” He radiated. Ultimately, anyone who accepts Christ through faith is given the power and right to become a child of God.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13,KJV)
– adapted from Sons and daughters of God, Apr 23rd, by EGW