Abandonment

“He threw off his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50)

We call him “Blind Bartimaeus.” He was a beggar who used to sit on the side of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem, hoping someone passing by would give him a little money so he could eat. He didn’t have much of a life. He just existed, hand to mouth, as many others did.

Bartimaeus teaches us something important, though; something about faith, something through a very simple action. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing through, he believed Jesus could heal him, if he could just get to Him. Jesus’ reputation as a healer preceded Him. So when Jesus stopped and told them to call him, Bartimaeus threw off his coat, jumped up, and went to Jesus.

Remember, Bartimaeus was blind. His coat may have been his only possession. It was probably his only protection from the sun and his blanket at night. So, how was he going to find it after he threw it off? He was obviously not worried about that. He believed Jesus was going to heal him. Finding his coat would be simple after that. Jesus did heal him because of his faith. Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the road after that, enjoying the majestic scenery.

Faith is abandoning everything of importance and going to the One who is trustworthy who calls us, and following Him in trust, just because of who He is.

Lord, Forsaking all, we trust You. Amen.