Monday, June 15, 2015

Restoring Your Vision

Noticed something in my daily Bible reading the other day I had not seen before in Mark 10:46-52 regarding a blind man named Bartimaeus.  As Jesus was passing by, Bartimaeus cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (vs 47).  Ultimately, Jesus asks him in simple terms, "What do you want me to do for you?" to which Bartimaeus replied, "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!" (vs 51).  Immediately, Bartimaeus regained his sight because of his faith and began following Jesus on the road (vs 52).

Great miracle of healing for Bartimaeus but what captured my attention especially was the wording.  I believe every word of the Bible is inspired (to use a great theological term, this is called "verbal plenary").  Notice Bartimaeus said he wanted to "regain" his sight.  Apparently he had vision at some time but it had been taken away, perhaps by trauma or a medical condition.  He had experienced the wonderful gift of vision but now he was desperately blind.  He could no longer see his family or friends.  His previous occupation, whatever it was, had been reduced to begging because of his handicap.  Perhaps he had a lucrative career but now had to ask for charity from travelers along the road for money to fund his basic necessities.  No wonder he cried out to Jesus for help.

Are you blind?  I don't mean this literally, but has your vision been taken away?  I know I've become blind in several ways due to poor choices but also due to unexpected conflicts, e.g. cancer, financial difficulties, etc.  I feel I simply cannot "see" life like I did before.  In addition, in many ways, I've been reduced to begging for daily needs.  In other words, life is not as joyous as it was in days past.

Hence, I can identify with the request of Bartimaeus.  What do I want Jesus to do for me?  If it is God's will, I want to regain my sight.

Promise Keepers has a great song entitled, "Be Thou My Vision", which further echoes this prayer. 
Check it out at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o_Gb0vCx0Q