In the story of the blind man (Bartimaeus) in Luke 18: 35-43, Bartimaeus’ dilemma is our dilemma. The ironic twist of this story is that the people who ought to be able to see – cannot; – and those who shouldn’t be able to see – can.
Bartimaeus had a great need – and he knew it!
He had a great opportunity – and he seized it!
He had a great prayer – and he prayed it!
He had great faith – and he exercised it!
He had a great testimony and he gave it!
More than anything else – people need to see
and know that God cares.
They need to know that He is active and involved in their situation.
They need to know that they are not forgotten.
They need to know that they are truly loved!
They need to know that no matter who they are – and no matter what they have done – God is just a prayer away at all times!
Like the blind man – some of you are sitting on the side of the road of life. You’re sitting in the dust of failure – in the dust of insecurity – in the dust of infidelity – in the dust of anxiety. And you need to be reminded that our God is the Giver of mercy.
Even though Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem – He stopped dead in His tracks when He heard the cry of Bartimaeus.
My friends – even though there is a whole universe to govern – God is willing to stop what He is doing – to respond to your heartfelt cry right now. Do you need Jesus to stop and address a special need in your life? Do you need His mercy right now? Jesus will stop for those who call on Him in faith believing!
Although blinded by an illness at the age of six weeks – and remaining that way for the rest of her life – Fanny Crosby composed over 9,000 hymns during her life time. It was while she was at a prison service in Manhattan – that she heard a prisoner call out in a pitiful voice: “Good Lord! Don’t pass by me!” That evening she wrote the words of one of her best known hymns:-
“Pass me not O gentle Savior, – Hear my humble cry.
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.”
(PASTOR LYLE PETTIT