Bartimaeus’ miraculous healing throws up a number of useful lessons. Our focus today is on verse 50 where he threw aside his garment, arose and came to Jesus. Your garment is first your covering. It is also for identification. Your garment reveals who you are. If you find yourself walking through an airport with a white shirt, blue badges and military style cap, anyone who sees you would most likely assume that you are a pilot. Your garment also reflects your status or level in life and by extension the recognition that comes with it.
Bartimaeus wore a garment that announced his challenges. He was a beggar who relied on the benevolence of others to meet his most basic needs. His was a garment of self-pity and dependency. He was referred to as Blind Bartimaeus because he was qualified by his limitation. This kind of stigma gets worse when you also begin to describe yourself based on your problem. A teacher, parent or neighbour may have made a derogatory remark about you that have accepted as your ‘identity.’
One day, Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by. He saw a moment of potential change but as he cried out, the people tried to shut him down. The more they tried, the more he shouted until one cry brought Jesus to a halt. When Jesus called him, even before he saw the miracle, he immediately threw away the garment and rose up. This was a bold statement that he would never beg again. Removing your garment of limitations is a prerequisite for moving to the next level of your life. Today, determine to set aside some old and unsuitable garments.
Scripture Reading:
Mark 10:46-52
YearOfExcellence
Bartimaeus wore a garment that announced his challenges. He was a beggar who relied on the benevolence of others to meet his most basic needs. His was a garment of self-pity and dependency. He was referred to as Blind Bartimaeus because he was qualified by his limitation. This kind of stigma gets worse when you also begin to describe yourself based on your problem. A teacher, parent or neighbour may have made a derogatory remark about you that have accepted as your ‘identity.’
One day, Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by. He saw a moment of potential change but as he cried out, the people tried to shut him down. The more they tried, the more he shouted until one cry brought Jesus to a halt. When Jesus called him, even before he saw the miracle, he immediately threw away the garment and rose up. This was a bold statement that he would never beg again. Removing your garment of limitations is a prerequisite for moving to the next level of your life. Today, determine to set aside some old and unsuitable garments.
Prayer:
Father, You wired me to make progress. Help me to remove any retrogressive garment.Scripture Reading:
Mark 10:46-52
YearOfExcellence
