Shout even louder

So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” – Luke 18: 38-39

When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, knowing that His time had come to suffer and die for the sins of the world, He purposely traveled through Jericho. Sitting along side the road was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. When he heard that Jesus was nearby he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many people told him to be quiet, but he only shouted louder and Jesus heard him.

Reading this story today reminded me of the events that took place last year across our nation. As believer’s gathered to seek God, repent and receive forgiveness, they were told to be quiet. To stop gathering. To stop praising and worshiping God. One state banned singing even with masks on while in your own homes.

This was an obvious attack of the enemy that will do everything in his limited power to keep people from receiving the salvation that Jesus made possible. He will even use people in worldly authority to carry out his vile plan, masquerading his lies in any way possible.

But just like Bartimaeus, we can choose to shout God’s praises even louder!! It was no surprise to Jesus that he was sitting along side the road. Jesus intentionally walked that path to met Bartimaeus where he was and to bring grace, mercy and healing to a weary soul.

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”  Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” 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 10:49-52

Like Bartimaeus we need to stand up, throw off anything that is hindering us, shout our praises to God even louder and approach Jesus in faith saying, “Lord, we want to see!” We want to see Your face and follow you. We want to see you in our present circumstances and know that You are fully aware of every detail. We want to trust that You are in complete control. We want to see Your will be done in our lives and we want to see lives redeemed and transformed. All glory and honor to You Lord! Amen.