“Bartimaeus yanked off his old coat and flung it aside, jumped up and came to Jesus.”
Mark 10:50 (The Living Bible)
This morning I had a rough time getting out of bed. I ran yesterday (so I’m sore). I stayed up too late reading (so I’m sleepy). I just didn’t feel right. I was laying there praying, telling God that even before my feet hit the floor that I wanted to give my day to Him. I was sincere, but the truth is I would have preferred to stay in bed.
I’m convicted by Bartimaeus’ response to Jesus. He knew that Jesus was his only hope to receive his sight. Even when the crowd told him to be quiet, he continued to cry out to Jesus for help. When Jesus called to him he, “yanked off his old coat and flung it aside, jumped up and came to Jesus.”
How many mornings do I sluggishly drag myself into the presence of the Living God? Lord, forgive me. I want to have the same response to Jesus as blind Bartimaeus. I want to be filled with joy and excitement every time I have the opportunity to come to You. I want to throw off my “old coat” (the flesh), fling it aside, and run to You for healing and rescue. I realize that when I don’t respond like this it’s because I’ve allowed myself to become complacent and take You for granted. I don’t want to live like that.
Like David I pray, “Restore to me the joy of my salvation.” (Psalm 51:12). Let me jump up, throw off my “old coat”, and run to Jesus!
** Image courtesy of Ammom Perry. View his “doodle” blog at http://doodletillomega.blogspot.com
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