The Man That Stopped God

When he [Bartimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Mark 10:47-49

There is more to being blind than just the loss of physical sight.  There is a greater handicap that can be more frightening; a darkness that blinds the soul.

Bartimaeus was blind, reduced to sitting beside the road each day begging, but in his blindness, a light shone on his soul. Even in his physical blindness, he was looking for the One he knew could heal his infirmity. Those who tried to silence his cries for mercy when he finally found Him were the truly blind. 

When he heard Him passing, he knew Him, and called Him by His Messianic title, Son of David. In crying out for mercy he stopped God where He stood. And God in His mercy touched a blind man and gave him his sight. Mark tells us after Bartimaeus received his sight, he followed Jesus down the road (vs 52).

There are many dark places we may struggle in.  Places to dark to  find any way way out.  If you’re human, you know whereof I speak. Jesus is more than willing to stop and show us mercy. 

He is constantly moving in His universal Power, and is never too busy to stop for us. Bartimaeus had blind sight, for he was looking for, and knew, the Son of David. When we realize He is as near as our cry, He stops and says, “Come to Me.” The Lord’s mercy brings healing, and His Word brings light into our darkness.  It was so obvious, even a blind man saw it.  

Ken