Hello
Today’s Holy Nougat is one that may challenge or encourage.
“And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:52 NLT
Interesting contrast here, isn’t it. Jesus sends Bartimaeus away, and instead, Bartimaeus follows Jesus. Why? This is not turning back in gratitude; nor does it seem to have been a call to discipleship by Jesus; yet that is what it seems Bartimaeus became. To appreciate this, let’s take a detour to names in the Gospels.
In the wider narrative, it is not uncommon to realize that some persons are named in honor of their parents; whether directly or indirectly. So at the long-awaited birth of John the messenger, his dad was encouraged to name him Zechariah. It didn’t happen. On the other hand, Simon was BarJonah – son of Jonah. This pattern continues even today.
There is a third naming principle which impacts our reading of Bartimaeus’ actions. And that is naming as a descriptor – Peter : Rock; Didymus : Twin; and Zebedee : (Endowed by)/Gift of God. In previous reflections, I presumed that Bartimaeus was names in honor of his father; his name is Son of Timaeus (honor). But what if his name represented the hopes of his parents for him?
Could it be that his decision to Follow Jesus was about Bartimaeus living into his name by living in purpose? Afflicted with blindness and forced to beg because of his circumstances; he refused to be bitter; but insistently sought to get better. He was alert and somehow current enough that when he heard that Jesus was nearby, he rushed – despite his blindness, despite the naysayers – to secure his healing.
By faith alone, Bartimaeus sought Jesus out ON purpose – to secure his healing. And he faithfully followed Jesus after being healed – IN purpose. A true Son of Honor. Honor is described as the act of doing what is morally right or ethical. For Bartimaeus, that meant seeking out and following Jesus.
On purpose and In faith.
Regardless of what anyone else thought, said or did. Purpose was the vehicle that carried him; Faith was the fuel that kept him going.
So what about you and me; do we remain at the side of life’s road bemoaning our circumstances? Or do we, like Bartimaeus, determine to walk By purpose to Christ, By faith In God’s purpose, On purpose for God?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
