Lenten Devotional // Day 20

Mark 10:46-52

Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Many scolded him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, show me mercy!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward.”
They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.”
Throwing his coat to the side, he jumped up and came to Jesus.
Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see.”
Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.

Reflection

I love the bravery of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, in asking for what he wants.  And his request isn’t convenient - it’s a BIG, BOLD, PIE IN THE SKY ask.  I don’t know about you, but I feel SO MUCH more comfortable showing up to serve others than I do asking for my own needs to be met.  When my marriage ended a few years ago, one of the surprising learning experiences for me was that God shows up for me in times of need through the service and support of others.  When I allow others to help me, our interconnectedness is made apparent and God is able to show up for me through the hands, feet, hearts and minds of his earthly body - the people of Christ.  Being bold enough to ask God for what we desire - to actually name it - is a beautiful lesson.  Ask, and you shall receive.  Seek, and you shall find.  God is big enough to handle our praise, our complaints, our requests, and everything else in between.

Question for Contemplation

What are the big, bold, brave requests that you are afraid to name before God?

Prayer

Gracious and LOVING God… you are omnipotent and omnipresent and sometimes that makes me wonder if the desires of my heart don’t matter.  Thank you for knowing me, and for hearing me when I call out to you.  Free my tongue and my heart to name that for which my heart longs. Help me to feel brave enough to ask for what I need, and set me free to accept the help and blessings that you place before me.  Amen.