We He Heard

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me! 

Mark 10:47-48 

Christ developed a reputation in Israel. In a relatively short period of time, He became known far and wide. Jericho was not His home territory. When He came to Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, He was about to pass a blind man called Bartimaeus who was sitting beside the road begging. As our text relates, ‘when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Apparently, Christ’s reputation as a healer had preceded Him. The man had heard of Him and had hope that He could do him good. Thus, at the opportune moment, he cried out and continued loudly in spite of attempts to silence him. Christ was his only hope. We also have heard of Christ. Beginning at Moses, and all the prophets we have heard of His words and deeds from ancient days. We have the prophets, the apostles, and the great company of those who have testified of what Christ has done. His reputation has preceded Him. We have heard and believe that He can do us good. We have cried out with expressions of faith that He would have mercy upon us. If He has done good for others, why not us? On the basis of what you have heard, of Christ already, call to Him today to have mercy upon you as well.   

Our Gracious Master and our God, 
we rejoice that You do good to those that call upon You. 
We praise You that everything we have heard of You, 
gives us hope. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning