10/25/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
A biblical gathring can get noisy now and then. In Mark 10:46-52, a blind man in need of help created quite a stir. He had heard of Jsus. He knew what kind of things Jesus had been doing. And he knew there was precious little hope for someone like himself, who was both blind and poor.
The blind beggar began calling out for mercy, knowing Jesus was nearby. But let’s notice what else Bartimaeus knew. How did he call out to Jesus? He called him by name, then by a title. He called Jesus the “Son of David.” What does this mean?
The son of a person is assumed to have something in common with his ancestor. Like father, like son. But here Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the “Son of David.” Not only did he recognize that Jesus was, in fact, in the direct royal line, he also knew that Jesus would be in a position to show mercy. He could rightly deliver royal gifts of the house of David. However, the royal line had been rearranged a little. Riches and authority were no longer part of the royal heritage. What gift could Bartimaeus ask for?
God’s mercy, a gift more precious than any earthly riches, would be a gift which this Son of David would have. Lord, have mercy.
We frequently pray the Lord would have mercy on us. After all, our efforts to gain what we thought would help may have already proven disappointing, even destructive. But if the merciful and all-wise Lord shows mercy it will surely be good.
In a surprising turn of events, Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. The blind man confirmed his desire was to see. Jesus did this for him simply by his gracious command. The Son of David was still able to show mercy. He remains able to do so. We, like Bartimaeus, can call out. Lord, have mercy.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
A biblical gathring can get noisy now and then. In Mark 10:46-52, a blind man in need of help created quite a stir. He had heard of Jsus. He knew what kind of things Jesus had been doing. And he knew there was precious little hope for someone like himself, who was both blind and poor.
The blind beggar began calling out for mercy, knowing Jesus was nearby. But let’s notice what else Bartimaeus knew. How did he call out to Jesus? He called him by name, then by a title. He called Jesus the “Son of David.” What does this mean?
The son of a person is assumed to have something in common with his ancestor. Like father, like son. But here Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the “Son of David.” Not only did he recognize that Jesus was, in fact, in the direct royal line, he also knew that Jesus would be in a position to show mercy. He could rightly deliver royal gifts of the house of David. However, the royal line had been rearranged a little. Riches and authority were no longer part of the royal heritage. What gift could Bartimaeus ask for?
God’s mercy, a gift more precious than any earthly riches, would be a gift which this Son of David would have. Lord, have mercy.
We frequently pray the Lord would have mercy on us. After all, our efforts to gain what we thought would help may have already proven disappointing, even destructive. But if the merciful and all-wise Lord shows mercy it will surely be good.
In a surprising turn of events, Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. The blind man confirmed his desire was to see. Jesus did this for him simply by his gracious command. The Son of David was still able to show mercy. He remains able to do so. We, like Bartimaeus, can call out. Lord, have mercy.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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