Beggars No More

When blind Bartimaeus came into contact with Jesus Christ he immediately discarded the cloak that identified him as a beggar (read Mark 10:46-52). In those days begging was prevalent and those that begged were required to wear special garments so that there was no mistaking who they were, their social status. Being a beggar placed you on the bottom rung of the social ladder, being a blind beggar placed you under that ladder – you did not even have the privilege of being on the ladder. Bartimaeus’ blindness and his position of poverty are symbolized as one single piece of fabric, the fabric of his circumstances in life. But it’s clear that Bartimaeus longed to see a change in his circumstances, and hearing that Jesus was about to be right where he was gave him the impetus to act and, he cried out to Jesus. 

His story, like so many others, have not been placed in the Bible for our entertainment, those stories have been recounted as examples for us to follow. They’re there to teach us lessons as we journey through this life. We can all relate to Bartimaeus in some way. How? Let’s take a look. 

Like most of us, Bartimaeus, must have heard the good news of Jesus. Reading Mark 10:46-52 it’s apparent that he felt that Jesus was his way out of a life of poverty and blindness and it was only through Jesus that he would ever be able to see a new spiritual, social and material reality because of the way he cried out loudly. Disgusted by his public display, those of a better social standing tried to silence him in their attempts to keep him blind, poor, and invisible. 

How many times in your quest for a change in circumstances have the naysayers in your life voiced their disapproval? How many times have people tried to deter you from seeking a new way of life? How many times have persons tried to stop you from expressing your exuberance upon coming into contact with Jesus, or decry your unrelenting conviction? It’s time to ignore the hindrances being laid in your path and like Bartimaeus, the more they hush you, the more you call out to Jesus even louder. 

So loud was his call that it caused Jesus to stop and listen. Blind and poor, Bartimaeus decided that he’ll no longer be enrobed in anything that qualified his dependency. The beggar became the chooser, tossing away the filthy rags of self-righteousness (Isaiah 64:6) in exchange for the riches that are found in the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

"And to her was
granted
that she should
be arrayed
 in fine linen,
clean and white:
 for the fine linen
is the
righteousness
of saints."
(Rev. 19:8)

We are all like Bartimaeus, you and I, poor blind beggars wrapped in filthy rags of self-righteousness, easily identified by angels and demons alike. We all have a choice to make. Do we want to remain in these old, dirty, smelly garments, or do we want the change of clothes that has been offered to us – the new garment, the righteousness that only Jesus Christ can give? (seen Matthew 22:11-14; Revelation 19:7-8)

Casting aside your filthy rags is an act of faith which says that you want to see your life changed from rags to riches. It says that you are ready to leave behind the old way of life and enter into the Kingdom of God where you’ll be a beggar no more. This God-made garment has already been given through Jesus, when He chose to give up the glory, the beauty and the magnificence of heaven to become human in every way and to suffer a cruel crucifixion so that you might become rich in every aspect of your life, spiritually and physically. 

Jesus suffered the worst the world has to offer so that through Him you do not have to. His poverty has made you rich (2 Corinthians 8:9) – not in a worldly way, which is fickle, but it’s much more than that, indeed far greater than material wealth. It’s something that money can never buy…it is your Salvation. 

There is nothing more valuable than your Salvation. To first receive Jesus Christ as Saviour, then to establish an intimate relationship with Him, where God reigns supreme in your life is a mark of true riches. Salvation involves everything God will do for, through, with, in, and to you as He brings you into the fullness of life. Salvation brings you into God’s Kingdom, moving you from a life of blindness and poverty to a life of spiritual sight and the “unfathomable riches of Christ” (see Ephesians 3:8).

Bartimaeus wanted more out of life, made a decision, persisted despite hindrances and Jesus saved him and surely He will save you too. So, “Take hope! Stand up, He is calling for you!” (Mark 10:49 NLV), throw off your beggar’s robe, accept Jesus as your personal Saviour and you will be instantaneously enriched with every spiritual blessing in Christ (see Ephesians 1:3) making you a beggar no more.

Amen†

Beggars No More   Shelley Johnson 23-Aug-2016