Luke 18:35-43

One thing I find interesting when reading the Scriptures is, observing the reactions of those who received healing from Jesus. Some were healed by Christ, turned and went their way as if nothing happened, whereas others praised, rejoiced, and leapt with joy after receiving divine healing. These grateful few chose to follow Jesus and continue to glean from His wisdom and understanding. One popular man many preachers reference when discussing the power of Jesus’ healing is, blind Bartimaeus. This was a man from the city of Jericho, who sat by the highway side begging for alms. Just like many who suffered a serious condition, Bartimaeus had a desire to be healed from his blindness. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out with a loud voice for the Son of David to have mercy on him. It was well-known that Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, and the Son of David, or else how would even a blind man have knowledge of this fact? Jesus was from the lineage of the great king David, and this was known among those of His time.

As Bartimaeus cried out to Christ, some rebuked him, and told him to be quiet. It’s easy for someone who has no sympathy for your suffering to keep you silenced, when your opportunity for deliverance is within reach. Anytime a person goes ahead of God with their own agenda, they usually make obvious mistakes that cause shame and embarrassment to themselves. Despite hearing the voices of his haters, Bartimaeus cried out the more, and caught Christ’s attention. Jesus called for him, and he came running. Knowing the man’s condition, Jesus asked what would he like for Him to do. This was only to test the man’s faith, because Christ knew full well the man desired his sight. But beyond sight, Jesus has more of an interest in what your purpose is for the healing. Many receive healing, then ignorantly go back into those things that may have caused their suffering in the first place. When God heals us of anything, we must be mindful not to fall back into the same state we were delivered from. Many were healed of cancer, and went immediately to cigarettes when they felt the pressures of stressful situations. Some were healed of liver diseases, and sadly found the bottle, when they couldn’t find any other way to vent. God delivered many from debt, but whenever they gained a little extra, instead of saving it, they couldn’t quench the itch to spend. One thing people forget is, with healing and deliverance, comes responsibility. God doesn’t heal us to be stupid and careless after, but He does it to reveal His love for us, to answer our prayer of faith, and to allow our testimony to be a witness to others suffering in their faith as well.

After Jesus healed Bartimaeus, he chose to follow after the same One who graced him with immediate healing. When God blesses you, or brings deliverance to your life, make sure you show your appreciation for His divine act by living according to His will. We are God’s finest workmanship, and our bodies, although temporary, need to be in good working condition so that carrying the message of the Gospel won’t be a strain. Appreciate your health, and thank God daily for His divine healing, love, and grace. Never allow anything to keep you from coming to Christ. Like Bartimaeus, let you faith push you past haters, doubters, and those who don’t believe, straight to Jesus, knowing that God will always reward you for your faith in Him.

Walk in love,

Ell