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Hope Springs Forth
Throughout the year, we have continued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Upper Room daily Read More
Paul W. Chilcote | Read Mark 10:49-50
As the story of Bartimaeus unfolds, note the change in the tone of his detractors: “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” Two important aspects of his identity surface in the scene. First, Jesus calls him. Most of his life Bartimaeus had called out to others, often with little...
Are there aspects of your own self-definition that you need to throw off? Identify just one element of your self-understanding that stands as a barrier to your true self. Put on a piece of clothing, associate it with that piece of who you are that you need to throw off, and then remove it, letting it drop to the floor, praying: “Blessed Jesus, I wait expectantly for your transforming grace. Shape me anew. Amen.”
Sometimes we can look back and see why challenging things happened to us, but this is not always the case. Job never fully understood his story but finally submitted his life to God in humility. In Job’s case, God restored with abundance. The psalmist also rejoices that although the righteous may suffer, God brings ultimate restoration. The reading from Hebrews continues celebrating Christ’s role as the compassionate high priest. Unlike human high priests, who serve only for a time, Christ remains our priest forever. A man without sight in Jericho knows of Jesus’ compassion and cries out for it, despite attempts to silence him. He asks Jesus for mercy and physical healing in his case, and Jesus grants his request because the man has displayed great faith.
Read Job 42:1-6, 10-17. What are your happy and unhappy endings? How do you acknowledge both?
Read Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22. How does God deliver you from your fears? Recall a recent experience of this.
Read Hebrews 7:23-28. What distinction do you draw between sacrifice and offering?
Read Mark 10:46-52. How do you respond to Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Respond by posting a prayer.
