SEE

In the Gospel of Mark there's an account of a blind beggar.  His name is Bartimaeus.  He sits on the side of the road, day in and day out, completely dependent on what his ears hear.

Everything is about what he smells, touches and hears -- voices every day -- footsteps of passersby every day - fish and bread in baskets every day.

One day Bartimaeus hears many footsteps, traveling together.  And a voice.  This one's different than the others he's used to.  It's loving and caring.  Somehow he senses the compassion in this voice.

He hears someone say the name Jesus.  Could this be the One I've heard so much about passing right by me?

Bartimaeus calls out:  'Son of David, have mercy on me!'

There's a pause -- a quiet.  A voice answers, but it isn't the loving voice he heard a moment ago.  This one's gruff and rude, insolent.  'Shut up!  Get out of the way!'

He's used to having people scold him - kick at him - spit on him - he has little to lose.  He says it again:  'Son of David, have mercy on me!'

Then he hears that other voice - the kind one:  'Bring him to Me.'

Then that second voice - this time pretending to be nice:  'Cheer up, Bartimaeus.  On your feet.  He's calling you.'

Bartimaeus rises.  It's so still.  They must all just be watching.  Footsteps are heard parting the way.  He hears one pair of sandals walking softly toward him now.  A hand rests on his shoulder.  And then - that kind voice:  'What would you have Me do for you?'

At this moment, blind Bartimaeus has a several choices.  He could ask for a blessing.  He needs continued support on the street in order to find food and shelter.  He could ask for another robe.  The one he's wearing has been nibbled away by the rats.  But Bartimaeus goes to his very deepest need.

"I want to see."

'I want to see.'

And Jesus says:  'Your faith has healed you.'

This is an account about recognizing who Jesus is -- and recognizing you have need of Him.  Bartimaeus calls Him Son of David.  You're the One.  I believe in You.  And since You're the Healer - the Deliverer - the Way Shower - the Peace Giver -- I'm not asking for bread.  I'm asking for something only You can give.

I want to see.

But in order to see, we need God's supernatural help.  If God doesn't open our eyes, we'll never see.  The reason we can't see is that we're fallen and blind and hard and proud and independent.  Paul described us in Ephesians:  "We are darkened in our understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance in us, because of the hardness of our hearts."

We need the light.  We need to see.

And be blessed.