No More Labels

Mark 10:46-52
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over!” They called out to the blind man and said, “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!” Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.

Don’t you want to go down the road with Jesus? Don’t you want to be that person that finally sees the light at the end of the dark tunnel?  Just like Bartimaeus did the day he was healed. Imagine how that must have felt for him. Bound with blindness for so long and then having the first sight of the Son of Man! That is powerful. Even more powerful is the fact that Bartimaeus came to a point in his life where he really wanted to be healed. He heard that Jesus was passing by and began to shout with all his might, “Jesus have pity on me!” When we are at the worst of the worst we begin to have the largest pity party ever! We want to make the party huge with decorations, balloons, banners and streamers to label our BIG PITY PARTY! It could be a party of sorrow, depression, doubt, fear, break ups, bankruptcy, divorce and so forth. When we go through it, we really make it known inside! The thing is, we don’t invite anyone to this party! We celebrate in sorrow all by ourselves and don’t want to tell a soul of what is truthfully happening to us. Sometimes we can’t even explain it well. However, Bartimaeus wanted someone to attend his party. He wanted Jesus the Healer and the One familiar with sorrow (Isaiah 53) to attend. This would be the ultimate guest because He would help him get out of this pity party lifestyle. He was blind not deaf. He could hear of what Jesus was capable of despite not having site. He heard there was a Man moving in the miraculous and causing mighty signs and wonders.

Even as Bartimaeus had been given a label of blindness placed over him as a coat, he came to a point of complete determination and tore it off. He didn’t want to be blind anymore. He was tired of wearing this coat of blindness. Everyone knew he was blind and beyond hope. His pity took him that far. His pain carried him even deeper. Until he couldn’t hold it anymore and cried out even louder for his release. He made a decision to tear off the label of blindness. He was done with this party. He wanted a new and improved life.

Some of us have been crying on the inside. Having a field day in this pity party. We are ready to burst. We are at a breaking point. A time that we can no longer hide the pain, hide the sorrow or hide the frustration. We know we can’t live like this anymore. It’s just not fair! Shouldn’t we live well if we serve a God of healing, restoration and deliverance?!? Of course! That is why we must cry louder and let it all go. We have to take off the labels and get out of this slump.  We have to release it all to the God who hears! He has pity [sympathetic or kindly sorrow evoked by the suffering, distress, or misfortune of another, often leading one to give relief or aid or to show mercy] on us. In fact, that is why He suffered for us! He came so that we can have life in abundance.

So I don’t know what your label is today but tear it off and rise up! Stop calling yourself blind, weak, sad, depressed, lonely, afraid, angry or hurt! Make a change today! Cry out to God for that inner peace and healing. If He walked this earth performing miracles, signs and wonders, why would He overlook your need? No matter how small or great, God sees that and is beyond ready to take pity! No more labels! No more moping around! No more isolation! No more defeated days! God is here waiting for us, ready to restore and heal so that we can walk down that road with Him saved and delivered! It is time to have a party of peace.