As everyone knows, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Somebody must have told Bartimaeus. Jesus was passing his way and he left nothing to chance. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” he shouted. He was so loud that the crowd shouted at him. No matter, he shouted louder. Tenacity!
“What do you want me to do for you?” If Jesus asked you that question today, what would you say? We know Jesus is not to be confused with the proverbial Genie in the Lamp. But if he asked you what would you say? Audacity ruled the day. “I want to see.” You have to admire the honesty. He could have settled but he asked for all that he needed from Jesus.
Jesus healed him. For the first time in a long time, maybe in a lifetime he could see. If you were given a whole new lease on life what would you do? From a dark period of American history comes the story of an abolitionist who purchased a slave and immediately set her free. She asked, “Am I free to do whatever I want to do?” “Yes,” came the answer. “Am I free to say whatever I want to say?” Again, “Yes.” “Am I free to go wherever I want to go?” “Yes you are.” The newly liberated person said, “Then I am going with you.” Just so Bartimaeus followed Jesus down the road.
Are we ever more interested in what God can do for us than in God himself? God cannot give us his best apart from himself. So today, when God answers your prayer positively, or even if he does not give you what you want, go with him. The Giver is even better than the gift.
