November 1, 2011 (Psalm 121; Mark 9-10)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:48 NASB
Observation: A blind beggar named Bartimaeus wanted a miracle from Jesus. And he wasn’t going to be silenced by the others around him. They looked at him as second class and sternly told him to shut up! Even though he was blind he could see better than them all. When he heard Jesus was walking by he saw his healing just inches away. His faith made him well and immediately he began following Jesus.
Application: We often look down at others that may not look the same as us. Maybe they’re different in color, size or from a different country. Maybe they’re young or old, rich or poor. Maybe they’re blind, deaf, mute, or crippled. Regardless of the difference they could be seeing God more clearly than you! When a person is crying out to God for mercy don’t deny them, don’t hinder them, in fact you really should do all you can to help them reach Jesus. And if you’re the one that’s being told to “pipe down”, never give up in your quest to reach Jesus!
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your blessings, mercy and grace. You’re an awesome God! Help me I pray see others the way you see them. If I hear of someone crying out for You grant me the blessing of helping them. Remind me not to tell them to pipe down but instead to lift up my voice with them seeking You! May I sow seeds of mercy to others so that a harvest of mercy is available when I need it, in Jesus name, Amen!