As we consider our transition from the miracles of Jesus to a more focused time of the teachings of Jesus as we transition from Mark chapter 10 to Mark chapter 11, we see this interesting little piece of history in verses 46 through 52 of Mark chapter 10.  Jesus is stopped over in Jericho for a short time, and when He, the disciples, and a large crowed followed Him, there was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sitting by the roadside (we’ll call him Bart).

Clearly Bart heard the crowds coming, but it wasn’t until he overheard the name of Jesus, he immediately began CRYING OUT for mercy from Jesus… and when the disciples and the crowds tried to silence him, Bart cried out all the more - all the louder - all the clearer - for mercy from Jesus Christ.  He would not be silenced.  He would not be quiet.  He was not concerned with what others were thinking or what others were trying to lead him to do… All Bart knew was that if he would ever have hope or a future, it would be because of Jesus.  And so Bart cried out as loud and long as he could.

What about you?  Do you recognize your own blindness?  Do you see that you’ve tried everything else to “fix” yourself?  Do you recognize where your hope and your future are REALLY going to come from?

Let’s ask a different way - maybe you do recognize Jesus for who He is, and maybe you do see that your hope and your future rest solely with Him.  BUT, you’re easily swayed.  You’ll allow the crowds to quiet you down.  You don’t want to be embarrassed by calling out to Jesus regularly, loudly, consistently.

Do either of these sound familiar?  Let me share a bit of encouragement and a bit of direction for you - stop listening to anything or anyone who will divert your attention away from Jesus Christ.  The author of Hebrews pulls no punches when it’s said in chapter 12, and verse 2 that we can lay aside ANY and EVERY weight that slows us down, and the sin that trips us up… and we are to FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, the Author and Perfector of our faith.  

Bart understood this… even blind, his eyes were FIXED and FOCUSED on Jesus.

And then Bart called out… and kept calling out.  And wouldn’t stop until Jesus answered.  That’s amazing to me.  That’s tenacity.  That’s faith.

Bart didn’t have an amazingly deep theological understanding of the nuances of the Scriptures… He knew of this man named Jesus who was amazing.  And Bart knew that Jesus was all he needed.

That’s your lesson… When you come of the place where Jesus is all you have, you’ll find He’s all you need.

Bart recognized Jesus.  Bart called out to Jesus.  And Bart followed Jesus.

Which step is hanging you up right now?  Be like Bart.  Don’t overthink it… Just know that Jesus is listening for your call, and inviting you to follow.  So what are you waiting for?

I realize I haven’t written a blog in a couple of weeks.  As I began praying through what to write, asking the Lord what needs to be said, my mind was flooded with so much… current church issues, leadership, deep theology lessons, a five-part study on the “5 Solas” (that are now inked in my arm).

So much to say…

But then in the midst of all of the potential topics, one thing became clear… and it’s a simple question.  Where are you looking?

We could find it so easy to look around us and see problems.  Our federal government is not doing well.  The politicians are already slinging mud and it’s still 15 months to the election.  Our military is struggling to eradicate terrorism (if that’s even possible).  At home, there is so much murder, substance abuse, negligence, hurt, anger, frustration, hunger, depression… the list could go on.

It’s so easy to see those things.  The bills are piling up, Christmas is coming in a few months. Perhaps birthdays are coming soon… the kids need new clothes, your car needs fixed, your house needs fixed, your cabinets need filled. 

There’s so much to see.

BUT, where are you looking?  Are you looking at all those things, wondering when you’ll be able to catch your breath?  Wondering when the pain will stop?  Wondering when the next “big thing” is going to hit?

OR, are you looking at your Savior?  Hebrews 12:2 says “We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete…”

If we’re looking to Jesus, the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

There’s a video I’d like for you to watch.  It’s short (less than 4 minutes).  Get away somewhere quiet.  Turn down all the other noise, and just read the lyrics as Mr. Alan Jackson sings this old Gospel hymn…

Perhaps, just maybe, this will help you refocus your vision - just for a while.

Blessings to you, Church!!!