Seeing God In The Dark
The song 'Amazing Grace' is perhaps the most well known christian hymn in the world. It has been sung and played all over the world and in multiple musical genres (country, jazz, gospel). It was created out of the bowels of slavery, but has become a source of liberation, inspiration and hope for so many. The opening line of the song says "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see..." Going from a state of blindness to sight is a metaphor for our coming out of the darkness of the world's troubles and into the grace and mercy of God's saving love. Although we sing the words, the truth is that we sometimes don't internalize the message in this song. You see, we can be blessed with 20/20 vision but still be spiritually blind to who God is and what He wants to do in our lives. When we are trapped in darkness, the pathway into the light is always through God. And we have to be intentional and persistent in crying out to Him through our prayers, asking him to illuminate our situations to show us the right way to go. In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter a blind beggar named Bartimaeus who is physically blind, but has the spiritual insight to see the truth of who Jesus is...the Lord, savior and healer that we so desperately need. I pray that you will see how near Jesus is to you, that you will not hesitate to cry out to Him...and that you will hold on in faith that He has been given all authority to take away the darkness that surrounds you.
Then 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!” (Mark 10:46-47) Jesus was passing through Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd. He was making His way to the appointment that had been set for Him on Calvary’s cross. Even as He was focused on the mission to bring salvation to the world, He was still sensitive to the needs of those that we often look past in our daily busyness. A blind beggar (Bartimaeus) on the side of the road heard the commotion of the crowd and found out that Jesus was passing by. He wasted no time in crying out to Jesus to have mercy on him. He acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah (Son of David) and recognized what he needed first and foremost...God's mercy! Even though our Lord has the whole world in His hands, He sees and understands our deepest needs. We can get into His presence and we can cry out to Him for His grace and mercy in our situation.
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. (Mark 10:48-50) It's interesting that people tried to quiet the beggar and make him less visible. Isn't that what we sometimes do with the people and things that we see as problems in our society? But this man refused to be made invisible, especially when he knew that he was in the presence of the one who could provide the healing he so desperately needed. This was not the time for him to be quiet! So Bartimaeus "shouted all the more". Jesus stopped what He was doing to call the man to come to Him. Notice how Bartimaeus jumped at the opportunity to come to Jesus and threw any encumbrance (his cloak) out of the way. Bartimaeus' actions remind us that when we are lost in darkness and despair we should be quick to embrace the hope we have in Jesus. I thank God that Jesus is never too busy to hear my cry, to stop what He is doing and to call me to come to Him.
“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. (Mark 10:51-52) Jesus asks Bartimaeus what it is he wants. Jesus wants him to make his petition known. Bartimaeus answers that he wanted to see. He tired of being in darkness and desired to see. Those who have been living blindly in darkness, need the Lord's grace and mercy so they can see. Jesus told Bartimaeus that his faith had healed him. Faith in Jesus is essential to coming to Him and receiving the blessing that we need. Bartimaeus received his sight and in response he followed Jesus. God's grace and mercy saved us through our faith in Jesus. Our proper response to God’s blessings in our life is to follow Jesus.
Are you struggling with some darkness in your life? Maybe it's a relationship that has gone bad. Or maybe you are struggling with something that has a grip on you and your life is spiraling out of control. Maybe it's the attack of the enemy that has you fearful, anxious and unable to sleep at night. Or a loss that has you in a state of grief that you can not move through. How do you see God through your darkness? First, know that Jesus is near to you, that He is sensitive to your need and He is calling out to you to come to Him. Then go to Him in prayer and tell Him what it is that you need Him to do in your life. Be persistent and don't be discouraged by circumstances or other people as you go to Him with your prayer request. Finally, hold on to your faith, believing that He will answer and do what only He has the authority to do. Bartimaeus testifies to us that our Lord can change your darkness to light and put your life on the road of redemption. And after He blesses your life, just make sure that like Bartimaeus...you determine to follow Him.
Have you called out to God and seen Him work out a blessing during a dark time in your life? Encourage someone else by posting a comment below. Remember, you were blessed to be a blessing to someone else.
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
