Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calls you.

 

Despite the people in the crowd telling him to be quiet, blind Bartimaeus cried out in a loud voice to Jesus. His cry was one of Faith in the Messiah, for Mercy. When Jesus discerned the Spirit of Faith in Bartimaeus, He stopped and stood still.

 

Jesus ALWAYS recognizes Faith and responds to it with Mercy. Having heard Bartimaeus’ cry and knowing his Faith, Jesus responded by having the people in the crowd call him out. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; He calls you.

 

Instantly, the crowd treated Bartimaeus in a different manner. They no longer told him to be quiet. Instead, they told him to rise and receive what Jesus had for him in Faith.

 

How many “blind Bartimaeus” are sitting in the back row of churches every Sunday, being told to be quiet? Some are not even allowed in the building because they are dressed in rags and don’t smell that good. Perhaps they are not clean, have not combed their hair, and reek of tobacco or alcohol. Whatever the case, like Bartimaeus, they have probably been cast aside by their family and are not received or accepted by the “crowd” at church.  That is until…….Jesus passes by!

 

Bill Gaither wrote a beautiful song that speaks of the difference when Jesus passes by our way, hears our cry and touches us. It’s called, SINCE JESUS PASSED BY. You can find it on Youtube. The following are the lyrics.

 

Verse 1

Like a blind man I wandered, so lost and undone. A beggar so helpless; Without God or His Son. Then my Savior in Mercy, heard and answered my cry. And oh what a difference, since Jesus passed by.

 

Verse 2

All my yesterdays are buried in the deepest of the sea. The old load of guilt I carried is all gone, praise God I'm free. Looking for that bright tomorrow, where no tears will dim the eye. Well oh what a difference, since Jesus passed by.

 

Chorus

Since Jesus passed by. Since Jesus passed by. Oh what a difference, since Jesus passed by.  Well I can't explain it, and I cannot tell you why, but oh what a difference since Jesus passed by.

 

Oh, what a difference when Jesus passes by! Only He can……..turn the tide

 

Oh, what a difference,      Doreen

 

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