When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 5)

Affirmation #4. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I KNOW HE HEARS ME.

“ . . . he kept crying out all the more, “ Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk. 10:48).

Bartimaeus' blindness didn't interfere with his boldness. This is the second mention of his crying out. It had more urgency, intensity, desperation and volume than the first.

Why did Bartimaeus think he had to be intense? He wasn't shouting because he thought Jesus couldn't hear; he was shouting to make sure he was heard above the crowd. Today we say, “He got into it” or “He poured out his heart.”

We know that, indeed, Jesus heard Bartimaeus. “And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” (Mk. 10:49).

Just because you don't see Jesus doesn't mean He can't hear you. Just because you don't see things clearly during a trial doesn't mean Jesus wrote you off. “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psa. 34:15).

Affirmation #5. I DON'T SEE HIM YET, BUT I WILL.

Bartimaeus didn't let his present dictate his future. He didn't see Jesus right then and there, but his faith held on that that would change soon. In fact, Jesus mentioned Bartimaeus' faith.“Go; your faith has made you well.” (Mk. 10:52). What kind of faith? Faith that was not shut down by blindness.

Are you having a hard time seeing Jesus in your situation right now? Do you look only to this day or are you looking also for that day? How many know what I mean by “that day”? Poets and songwriters know how to say it better.

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
'Even so' it is well with my soul.¹

The event referred to is called The Rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).  I don't see Him yet, but I will!

1Spafford, Horatio G. “It Is Well With My Soul.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #316.