Day 3
The Shame of Dependence
Read: Mark 10:46-52, Psalm 121:1-2, Hebrews 12:2
SOAP: Hebrews 12:2
keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
The story of Bartimaeus is a beautiful story of faith and healing. For his entire life, Bartimaeus was blind and treated like an outsider. Bartimaeus was dependent on others because He was blind. When Jesus came, Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus, asking for mercy. The people scolded Bartimaeus for crying out to Him.
He was a blind, broken man many believed was not worth Jesus’ time. However, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, showing His power and compassion. Jesus accepts us exactly as we are, yet He is always working to restore us. No one deserves the saving love of God, and yet He saved us anyway.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, the way Bartimaeus did, we can find great joy. Jesus has gone before us, enduring shame and torment on the cross, on our behalf. He has given us freedom to live our lives fully committed to Him. May we, like Bartimaeus, throw off the shame or brokenness or sin that tries to hinder us and run fully after Him.
Lord, help me to be grateful for the salvation I have and to have a desire for all to be saved, even those whom the world deems unworthy. Remind me I am not worthy of Your grace. Thank You for showering me with Your grace anyway. Amen.