Am I Spiritually Blind?
This is an audio recording of Am I Spiritually Blind? the Day 28 entry in Today for Seafarers (Vol. 1) devotional by Jason Zuidema.
Listen to the audio by Sheila Margerrison or read the text below:
“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.”
These verses tell us about Jesus’ healing of a blind man. But what does this story mean for us two thousand years later? I think we can draw at least three things from this text that are relevant to our lives.
First, for those of us who have been Christians a long time, we can say that the best response to Jesus is always to follow. This may seem very obvious, but with so many distractions in life, we can forget our commitment very quickly. We may have confessed our faith—possibly a long time ago—but we may also have lost some of the spiritual passion in our lives. It happens. Ask Jesus for what you need. Put your burdens on his shoulders. Follow Jesus continually!
Second, for those of us who became Christians only a short time ago, we can rejoice like the blind man, no matter what other people around us might think or say. Remember that the crowd tried to silence Bartimaeus, “but he shouted all the more.” Why let the world silence you, if you want to honor the Lord? Remember also that you have cried out to the Lord Jesus, and he has saved you. Rejoice that Jesus heard you and wanted to help. Also, keep your eyes on Jesus. Be faithful. Read his Word, and ask him for what you need.
Finally, for those of us who have spiritual blindness, cry out to Jesus. He is the only source of help in this world. If you want to see life as it truly is, if you want to know the path to eternal life, follow him. Do not hesitate!
As the prophet Isaiah said many years ago: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). If you need help, Jesus will hear you. Cry out, “Have mercy on me, Jesus”—and then follow him. He is merciful, and he promises full live that endures forever.
For Further Thought
How can you regain spiritual fervor in your life if you have lost it?
Why can Jesus alone heal us from our spiritual blindness?
How can you lead others to receive healing from Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, let me know the joy of your presence, and allow me to revel in the wonder of your grace and love. Amen.
