Eyes To See

I apologize for the late post. I didn't make it to the church I wanted to visit last Sunday. No, I wasn't playing "hooky"; I was blinded. Literally. My contacts tore as I was driving to the church. Talk about instant blindness and pain! Luckily, I made it safely to the eye doctor before the day was through. What a relief to be able to see again!

The entire event left me with several thoughts. My first thought was how I was miffed I had missed church service. I had made all the preparations, dressed in my "Sunday-best" (as momma would have said), and had my bible tucked neatly under my arm. I dislike it when my plans are thwarted, don't you? We all do. My second thought was how painful it was. Is this what Paul felt like when he had his Damascus road experience? Or blind Bartemaeus? Have you ever felt blinded or blind-sided by a turn of events? What was your reaction?

We are all blind to some degree. Blind to our faults, our weaknesses, our failings, our strengths. I spent some time this week studying the story of blind Bartemaeus. Mark 10:46-52 is where it's found if you want to check it out. The thing is, he couldn't see, but he heard Jesus was coming by. He had no way of knowing if what he heard was true. But the pain of being blind and in need was greater than the discomfort of ridicule. Bartemaeus acted on faith. This was his moment; it was now or never. He didn't care what others thought or said - he simply cried out, "Have mercy on me, Son of David!" Oh, plenty of people tried to shut him up. He was reproved, quieted and told to be still according to the text. Still, he did not give up; he pressed forward. You see, he knew Jesus was the answer to what he really needed. And he was willing to do whatever it took to get to the Healer.

Jesus summons him and there he stands before the Savior of the world. Now, you and I might think it's pretty obvious what he wants from Jesus. After all, he's a beggar and he's blind. Still, Jesus asks him what he wants. It's right there in the text. "What do you want me to do for you?, Jesus said." Mark 10:51 And the beggar's reply? "Master, let me receive my sight."

So, here's my question. What blinded you this week? Do you feel like the rug was pulled out from underneath you and you've been left by the side of the road? Are you a victim of the economic recession? Have a fight with your child? A disagreement with a friend? Divorce? Loss of a loved one? Maybe you're blind to some of the things I mentioned earlier. Maybe you're wandering around in the dark and don't even know what hit you. I don't know about you, but I know I'm blind to so many things about myself - my motives, my weaknesses. Can I encourage you here?

God's asking you and me, "What do you want me to do for you?" That's no small thing, mind you. The Creator of the universe is standing here - in front of you and me. What's your response? Take that first step with me, fellow beggar. Don't listen to the voices around you; listen to the voice inside you. Press forward. That's it - keep going. I know it's dark and scary; I'm scared, too. It's ok; he's right in front of you. We're almost there. Can you hear him? Go ahead. Tell him what you want him to do for you. He's listening for you. Blind beggars believe.