A man’s world without his sight is a vacuum of darkness and limitations. The Bible rightly refers to the eyes as the light of the body (Matt 6:22,23). If the eyes are bad, according to the Bible, the whole body is full of darkness. Darkness connotes a lack of vision, a lack of direction and vulnerability to fear as a result of uncertainties. Such was the case of blind Bartimaeus whose account is recorded in Mark’s gospel chapter 10, verse 52.
    Bartimaeus had been reduced to begging for a living because he was sightless. As a result of his condition, his survival was dependent on the  generosity of benevolent passers-by. He begged to fend for himself.
    Many today, though not plagued by literal blindness, are nonetheless in as much an ugly situation—because of their spiritual and mental blindness—as blind Bartimaeus was. People who should have been high flyers are begging. Like Bartimaeus, many of those who are in this category did not bring the condition upon themselves. They are merely victims of circumstances. However, it is important to note that, though Bartimaeus may not have had a hand in his sightless condition, he was not satisfied with it, and therefore desperately wanted a change.
    Similarly, those who aspire to ever experience deliverance from such an ugly situation as Bartimaeus had, need to become dissatisfied with the status quo. Though one may not be directly responsible for his or her plight, owing probably, among other things, to the congenital origin of the problem, it would still be irresponsible to be satisfied with the situation, just for that reason. That was the reason why Bartimaeus lost no time and spared no effort in taking advantage of the opportunity for a turnaround that the presence of Jesus on that road that day presented. So what exemplary and instructive steps did he take?
    Firstly, he lived in expectation of a life-changing encounter with Jesus, as Mark 10 vs 47 suggests. From the tone of that verse, it seems he had been waiting to hear what he eventually heard that day: it was Jesus of Nazareth. Furthermore, the verse seems to indicate that Bartimaeus had some knowledge of the compassion Jesus had towards the afflicted, as the Messiah. Therefore, Bartimaeus scanned his environment for an inkling of His presence. No wonder his opportunity came. Are you looking for a change in conditions? Then, stop brooding over the ugly past and begin to seek the manifest presence of Jesus, expectantly.
    Secondly, as soon as Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to cry out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). Notice, he did not remain silent, but CRIED OUT. It didn’t matter to him that there was a crowd around Jesus, he cried out. That action was the expression of his heartfelt yearning for a Divine touch. How desperate are you to see your ugly situation altered. Have you cried out to Jesus? Remember, the Bible says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him” (Rom 10:12). God does not discriminate among people. However He is rich only to those who call upon Him, not to those who want to maintain a dignified silence.
    Thirdly, Bartimaeus appealed to God’s mercy as his basis for expecting a miracle. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” sums up his passionate plea. Remember, Jesus is both the Root and Offspring of David (Rev 22:16), and was, therefore, in the best position to meet his need. As the Root of David, Jesus is God and as the Offspring of David, Jesus is Man. That is how He is both the LORD and the Son of David (Matt 22:41-45). The point is that Jesus is the perfect representation of God to man and of man to God. As such, He could empathise with Bartimaeus on the one hand and express God’s mercy and healing to him, on the other hand. Note that,”….we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15). Therefore, appeal to God’s mercy.
    Fourthly, in spite of the warning of many in the crowd to Bartimaeus to be quiet, he persisted in his outcry, until in the words of the Bible, “…Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called….” (Mk 10:49). In response, surprisingly, the Bible says, “…Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”” Wait a minute! Who were the ‘they’ referred to in  the Bible quote above, as having called and cheered the blind man? Were they not the same people who had shortly before, warned Bartimaeus to be quiet? Thank God he ignored their misguided warning and persevered in his quest for the attention of Jesus. Never let the opinion or opposition of men intimidate you into silence when you should cry out.
    Fifthly, Bartimaeus was specific about what he desired Jesus to do for him. When his persistence had paid off and he had the attention of Jesus, the question Jesus had asked him was, “What do you want Me to do for you?” To which, Bartimaeus replied in the following words: “Rabonni that I may receive my sight.” The result: “Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well” (Mark 10: 51-52). It is important that you know what exactly you desire of God. Though it may have been obvious to many, if not all, that Bartimaeus wanted his sight restored, Jesus still required that he verbally specify it. Like Bartimaeus, tell God what you want Him to do for you. However, ensure that you have a scriptural basis for your request.
    In conclusion, having received his sight, Bartimaeus, we are told, followed Jesus on the road. This is an essential conclusion to the narrative because, more often than not, many people fail to understand that God’s blessings are given to draw mankind into following Jesus. Ensure that God’s blessings in your life draw you closer rather than farther away from Him. The Bible says, “…the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom 2:4). Shalom.