He was poor and blind. But not stupid.

He was a beggar, poor and blind. But not stupid. Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) figured out Jesus was nearby and he knew Jesus could heal. He was also persistent and could be bothersome. His shouted to catch Jesus’ attention, to the extent that people around him insisted he pipe down. But he didn’t. And the people changed their tune when Jesus asked for him. Then they told Bartimaeus, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you” (Mark 10:49).

These three little sentences are just a side note in the healing of Bartimaeus. But they caught my eye when I was thinking about what God has called me to do, about challenges that seemed beyond me. Since then, these eight words are a regular reminder of truths from God’s Word that meet our needs for the challenges of our callings.  

We often just need to jump in and get to work.

“Cheer up!”  The gospel gives us a joy stronger than any challenges. “On your feet!”  Praying is essential, and thinking is good, but we often just need to jump in and get to work. “He’s calling you.” Here’s the core of the matter. God has called us. It’s personal.

Receiving his sight, Bartimaeus jumped up and joined those following Jesus. We, too, follow Jesus. Let’s encourage each other as we follow Jesus down the road.

Lord, Bartimaeus needed you. I need you, too. Open my eyes to see what you’re calling me to do today, and give me what I need to do it. In your name I pray. Amen