Seeing “The Now” . . .
April 3, 2020
Over the next week I will be looking at different events that took place as Jesus moved to Jerusalem and then during passion week.
I am sure that many of us would love to be able to see into the future just so we could see how things will turn out over the next several weeks and perhaps months. We would want to know if our family and friends were going to be alright. We might want to know if the economy would bounce back. We would want to know many things. But the reality is we cannot see the future.
Sadly, there are many who cannot even see “The now.” That is, they cannot see what God is doing in the moment. There are some people who may not recognize Jesus even if He were to stand right next to them. Well today I want to share with you a very familiar story from the Gospel according to Mark which takes place as Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem.
46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” 50 Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road (Mark 10:45-52).
Jesus, now leaving Jericho, is resolutely on His way to Jerusalem with His disciples and a great multitude following. As Jesus and His entourage are moving along the road, I am sure with great commotion, there sitting by the side of the road is Bartimaeus. As soon as Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is passing by he begins to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on Me!” Many of the people were forcefully telling Bartimaeus to be quiet. Yet, Bartimaeus calls out even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Suddenly, Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus and asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Of course Bartimaeus wants to see.
Now pause for a moment and think: “What did Bartimaeus know about Jesus that no one else present knew?” The answer is in the way Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus.
Bartimaeus uses the Hebrew expression for “Messiah,” Son of David. He saw, even though physically blind, Jesus’ true nature-Son of David, Messiah-the One who could help him regain his sight. Bartimaeus even though he was blind could see in “The now,” in the moment, and was able to receive the Lord’s healing compassion. Bartimaeus saw Jesus for who He is because Bartimaeus was observing with eyes of faith.
Now I am sure that Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus before this encounter. He may have known by reputation that Jesus could heal people. Regardless of what we may think Bartimaeus might have known we do know that he called out to Jesus in faith and was healed and began to follow Jesus on the way.
Today many people are looking for spiritual answers to life’s great questions. You may be the one who shares Jesus with these people. It may be you who encourages people by telling them what Jesus has done for and is doing for you. Jesus’ reputation will be known to others because of your testimony. Do not be one of the crowd who discourages people from coming to Jesus; rather, be an encourager.
If you are one seeking answers today let me encourage you by pointing out a few things about Bartimaeus and his encounter or experience with Jesus. First, Bartimaeus did not become discouraged when people told him to leave Jesus alone and to be quiet. The second point is that despite the criticism and complaints directed at Bartimaeus for calling out to Jesus he persistently called out even more. Lastly, after Bartimaeus experienced Jesus he followed Jesus.
Let us see Jesus not just in the past or in some one who will come again in the future; let us see Jesus today, alive, active, and ready to engage us where we are, even if it is one the side of the road. Let us pray together.
Dear Jesus, we thank You for being alive today in our lives. We thank You for Your patience with us for we are often slow to believe that You do have the power to heal and forgive. Help us to introduce and point others to You today and everyday. We pray Jesus, in your name giving You thanks for answering our prayers, amen.
Be strong, be healthy, and God bless you;
Until the nets are full
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Please Pray with Us
Join us in prayer each week for the ministries of MacPherson Presbyterian Church and the Fayetteville community.
Devotion for March 16: Psalm 139:7-16
COVID-19
For the researchers to find a vaccine/cure.
For all who are infected with the virus.
For the hysteria and panic to subside.
That no one else will be infected.
That despite the rapid spread of this virus, God’s Gospel of Jesus will spread even faster.
I. Admin/Personnel/Property
Staff position searches: what does MacPherson really need? How can these perceived vacancies by filled effectively? Do we need three part-time positions or one full-time?
Interior repairs
Plan for the phased replacement of aging HVAC systems
II. Christian Education Concerns
VBS July 19-23
Ark Encounter Trip August 3-8
Improve small groups and encourage participation.
III. Congregational Care Concerns
Wednesday Fellowship
For the sick and shut-ins of the church.
For Stephen Ministry: Do we still want to participate in this program? If so, we need volunteers and leaders.
Wednesday fellowship
IV. Evangelism & Mission Concerns
Outreach to the community
Russia Mission Team for 2020
Habitat for Humanity
Complete ongoing Habitat construction by 31 March 2020
Habitat Homeowners: current & future
B Street Neighborhood: For the safety of the B Street families and their neighbors.
Operation Inasmuch
Migrant Farm Workers Ministry
V. Finance
For God’s exceedingly abundant provision
Effective stewardship practices
VI. Long Range Planning
Nursery volunteers
For the Sunday/Wednesday night children’s ministry (M & Ms, craft time)
Construct sound room
VII. Physical Security
Install magnetic lock at the office entrance
Parking lot cameras
VIII. Worship & Music
Maundy Thursday Service
Easter Sunrise Service
IX. Upcoming Events
Karaoke Night March 29 (Postponed until further notice)
Maundy Thursday Service
Easter Sunrise Service
