Miracles are Essential

Yesterday our devotional was about how miracles are optional. And while that perspective is huge in the Bible, so is the perspective that miracles are essential.

Take a look at Bartimaeus. He had ever obstacle when it came to getting to Jesus. He probably had only limited knowledge of Jesus, he couldn’t even see him, others pushed him down, and he was clearly facing a ton of social pressure. Yet, he so desperately wanted to be healed that he kept pushing - and when he gets a chance he literally jumps up and throws aside his cloak. Because he can’t see, jumping and throwing things around are pretty risky things to do… but he just had to have his miraculous encounter with Jesus.

As you reflect on the passage below, ponder the times in your life (and perhaps there’s one spot even now in your life) - where you’ve been desperate for a touch from God.

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. - Mark 10:46-52

What do you want to say to Jesus today?