Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, July 7, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 07.07.2017” on Spreaker.
This is devotional thought number 15 in our devotional series, “Essentials of Faith.” Our subject is “The Sinner’s (My) Need for Christ.”
Here’s the last question for consideration on this subject: When I begin to recognize my need for Jesus Christ, how will I receive satisfaction?
“And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way” (Mark 10:46–52).
Don’t Settle
Beggars must be choosy! You heard me right. I said, “Beggars must be choosy,” especially if we are begging for a spiritual breakthrough.
The problem with most people is that when we have a real need, we throw away our ability to discriminate between right and wrong. We flush our chances of real change because we lose courage and accept a counterfeit. We forget about our lofty aspirations and settle for whatever happens to pass our way. This is problematic in the natural world; not to mention in our spiritual lives.
Case in point: blind Bartimaeus had a problem. He could not see. I’d venture to guess his blindness was not very helpful to his personal economy.
Here’s Your Chance
Notice how keen his hearing was. He heard that Jesus was passing by. When you are at your lowest point in life, how keen is your perception of Jesus? Not only did he hear that Jesus was passing by, but he immediately threw caution and shame to the wind and opened his mouth to beg for mercy, regardless of what others thought of him.
You can hear them now; “Shut up, Bartimaeus! You’re always begging!” But, see, what some fail to realize is that persistence is the path to excellence.
Bartimaeus begged. He did not settle for less. Jesus asked him what he wanted. Now’s your chance, Bartimaeus! He asked for the one thing that would change his natural life forever—his sight. He did not ask for a home, chariot, three virgins, new sandals, a best friend, or anything else. Bartimaeus asked to receive his sight from the One who could give it. Guess what? Jesus gave him his sight. His faith in Jesus made healing possible.
Deep Satisfaction and the Blessings to Follow
Learn a lesson from a formerly blind man…
When I begin to recognize my need for Jesus Christ, how will I receive satisfaction? The only way I can receive it is if I refuse to accept anything less than a close relationship with Him. It is the singular thing that will change my life forever. All other blessings come in its train. I’m a beggar, but I’m choosy. Are you?
