So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’     Mark 10 : 50 - 52

Readings this week : 2 Corinthians 5 : 16 - 21; James 5 : 13 - 20; Mark 10 : 46 - 52

Thought for this week

We hear in our Gospel reading of Jesus’ healing of Bartimeus, the blind man at the side of the road from Jericho. He could have so easily been overlooked. There were many people about. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. He might not have stopped.

Except Jesus always finds time for those who need Him. Jesus interrupted His journey and called Bartimaeus to Him. Seeing into the man’s life, Jesus asks, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ There could have been so many areas where the man needed healing. No doubt Jesus saw all that he needed. Yet Bartimeus asks to be able to see again.

Two things stand out in this encounter. One is Bartimeus’ faith. He calls Jesus, ‘Son of David’, declaring Jesus to be of the royal, even Messianic line. The other is Bartimeus’ boldness. He cries out to Jesus , even more loudly when the crowd try to quieten him.

Jesus sees into our lives. He knows our troubles, our anxieties and fears. He is the Lord who loves us. Our faith grows as we learn to trust in Him and know He meets with us in our needs. May we also have boldness to tell others, and to stand out from the crowd when needed.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week (inspired by Psalm 124 and James 5)

If it had not been God who was on our side,
the troubles of our world would have swallowed us whole.
If it had not been God who was on our side,
the sorrows of our times would have swept us away.
Are any among us suffering?
Come and pray.
Are any among us cheerful?
Come sing songs of praise.
Are any among us sick?
Come and ask for healing.
Our help is in our God,
the One who made heaven and earth.
Call upon God, creator and rescuer.
God is on our side.

posted on the Worship Elements page of the Ministry Matters website.

https://www.ministrymatters.com/

People to pray for

For the work of Teen Challenge

For Joe as he is baptised

For relief workers across the Middle East