Today, my heart is beating with expectancy for the new year. Last evening, Sister Sandi preached about BLIND BARTIMAEUS. There were many incredible points that she referenced in this passage. (Mark 10:46-52)
While she was preaching, I envisioned Bartimaeus sitting outside the city of Jericho, begging, when Jesus passed by. He HEARD (he couldn't see) that Jesus was near and CRIED out "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Many tried to silence him...but he CRIED out the more "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!"
He CRIED out for DOUBLE MERCY! Jesus STOOD STILL and called for him! (Jesus will wait for you to get to where He is!)
Bartimaeus cast aside his garments, rose and came to Jesus! (What do we need to cast aside today?)
Bartimaeus was FRAIL...but NOT DISQUALIFIED.
- Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
The word INFIRMITIES is plural, meaning we each have several. Yet many of us struggle to admit to even one. A well-known writer said: "We have carefully hidden our struggles and paraded only our victories, but the whole country is falling asleep at the parade."
The Greek word for INFIRMITIES means "malady" or "frailty." All of us have some malady or frailty that incapacitates us to the degree that we need His mercies newly bestowed on us every morning. David succeeded on the battlefield, but failed in the bedroom, yet no man was more used of God. This should encourage you today, for God's not only sympathetic, but He also uses people like you and me, who are affected with life's struggles.
Paul spelled it out clearly: "We also are men of like passions with you" (Acts 14:15). Only a fool would refuse to lift a diamond out of a drain, and God is no fool. Sadly, the Church has thrown away thousands of valuable diamonds by casting away her wounded. If God is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, shouldn't we be willing to do at least that much for each other?
Bartimaeus received DOUBLE MERCY from Jesus. His VISION (Sight, Insight & Revelation) RESTORED! The Scriptures say that Bartimaeus followed Jesus from that moment forward. Is it possible that he followed Him all the way to Calvary? QUITE POSSIBLE.
We are believing for an exceptional 2014. Join us tonight at 7 PM for our NEW YEAR'S EVE service! If you're unable to come...catch us on our LIVE stream at www.bfwc.net.