Ask in faith

The beggar in this story demands not only the attention of Jesus, but that mercy is given to him. He clamours for Jesus’ attention so much that he cannot be ignored. He is bold in his manner, yet he is also requested by Jesus to identify exactly what it is, that he, the beggar is asking for.

I wonder how many of us ask things of God with the same boldness? I wonder if we can have the candour that Bartimaeus was so willing to portray in our communication with God?

Here is the underdog, the person for whom society passes by, and for whom life has little chance of improvement. Yet, Bartimaeus shows great courage in standing up to those who would prefer him to remain silent. He does so by using his voice, and also literally, in springing up to come to Jesus, when called.

Having singled out the one thing that Bartimaeus has yearned for, he is then told that his faith has made him well. It is in the sending out, the dismissal, that he regains his sight. The combination of trust and faith allows something miraculous to occur in Bartimaeus’ life.

Lord, I ask for your mercy. I ask for help in my specific situation and I ask it with the same boldness and faith that Bartimaeus showed when you were travelling on that road that day. Help me to see and respond to this situation with your love.