“‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:49-52).
You’re probably familiar with this story of blind Bartimaeus. He was a beggar and easily identified as such by the cloak he wore. His was a difficult life, literally living from hand to mouth at the mercy of others. He had heard about Jesus of Nazareth and His miracles and often wondered if something good could ever happen to him.
This particular day started out as the same old thing full of hurt, abuse, and frustration. The commotion in the distance drew near. Jesus was passing by. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Shut up! Jesus doesn’t have time for you!” Bartimaeus was not about to let this opportunity pass him by, for he knew he may never get another one. With increasing volume, he shouted, “Jesus, have mercy on me!”
Jesus called Bartimaeus to come to Him. He threw down that old cloak never to pick it up again. The only life he had ever known was about to be over. With help from others, he soon found himself standing in front of the Savior of the world. Jesus opened his eyes. What a beautiful sight: the face of Jesus! Bart followed Him along the road.
Now let me tell you what I see here. One ordinary day, Jesus will call my name. I will cast this tent aside (2 Peter 1:13-14) that identifies me with this life and walk toward Him. Just like Bartimaeus who was facing Jesus when his eyes were opened, the first One I see will be Jesus. Nothing or nobody in earth or heaven could ever be more beautiful to behold than Jesus. “Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face!”
My eyes will open wide as I take in His glory and splendor! I will follow Him along the road into heaven. That great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) will suddenly begin to split open as loved ones walk toward me with their inexpressible and radiant smiles.
My wide open eyes will search those emerging from the cloud. “There’s my Jamie walking toward me! I see my daddy! Oh, there are my grandparents!” Other loved ones surround and welcome me to my new forever home! There are no earthly words to describe what awaits the child of God (1 Corinthians 2:9).