Do you Love the Light?

April 17, 2018

Romans 10:46-52

Can you and I identify with the blind man Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus who was a beggar?  You better hope you can, for we find these truths in Scripture; In John 8:12, quoting Jesus; “I am the light of the world.  Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”  Often we miss what Jesus is saying because we do not have an understanding of why it was said.  You and I were born spiritually blind and needed light.  This is what Jesus said in John 3:19-21, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Yes, we all showed up on planet earth with the same problems and needs. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)

Thanks to my friend Buddy, I also have become a fan of Blaise Pascal, this is his quote “In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” 

You recall when he heard Jesus of Nazareth was coming he did not say Jesus help me but addressed Jesus as the Son of David, and he ask for mercy.  One night in Victoria, Texas at a hotel room I did the same thing, I prayed for forgiveness, I deserved hell.  Many in the crowd told him to be quiet but his shouting intensified, and Jesus said bring him to me.  And when they told him Jesus was calling him, (I really like this) “And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” ⁵⁰ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.”    

How did you react when Jesus called you?  I recall knowing for the first time that my prayers had been heard, I was not alone in that hotel room, Creator God was inviting me to become part of His family.  When I recall my need and who was asking what He could do for me, it brings tears to my eyes as I read this account. Verses 51-52, “And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” ⁵² And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.”  And Jesus told you and I the same thing, and that is why I am a follower of Christ.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice