31 Days of Prayer & Fasting: Week 2

This week I would like to look at a request made known to Jesus.

He is willing to meet you right where you are. 

In our story today we find people hoping for a miracle, looking for answers, and others watching to see Jesus of Nazareth perform a sign.

So, what will our scriptures reveal about us? If you look closely, I’m sure you’ll see your face in the crowd!

Our first story is found in Luke 18:35-43. This is the story of a blind man named Bartimaeus. The scene is on a roadside in Jericho, where a blind man named Bartimaeus sits begging. 

Something to think about...being blind would mean that your conscience would be your guide. Learning who to trust and what to believe in would rise to another level.

While begging, he heard something different. The sound of many footsteps, perhaps a parade of people. Hearing the crowd going by he asks what is happening.  They responded, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

​Does anyone need mercy today? 

Verse 39 says, “Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more."

It makes you wonder what motivated those leaders.  Whenever you reach the point of humbling yourself, pride will rise to the challenge. 

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

“Son of David, have mercy on me!” These are the kind of words that cause heaven to cease from their task and watch.  Grace and mercy dance, O’ how beautiful. It is also these words that caused Jesus to stop. He ordered that the man be brought to him.

When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” 
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.  Simple enough!
​Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

This is where grace and mercy meet faith. Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
What are you waiting on?