My husband Jonathan and I were fortunate to travel to Hawai’i (the Big Island) for our fortieth anniversary. One day, we went to the Volcanic National Park. The volcano had erupted seven hours before, spewing lava and remarkable rocks unofficially dubbed “baby earth” that lay strewn across the road. From various lookout points, we saw several billowing areas of smoke. The magnitude and magnificence of the place held us in awe.
There was one problem, though. It was raining, and raining hard. Our rain gear wasn’t adequate, but we decided that we wouldn’t be deterred. We hiked the trails and enjoyed the sights, all while it poured.
The adult part of me momentarily protested. Playing outside in the rain felt so childish. I could almost hear my parents scolding me. But we had traveled so far; it would be a shame to let dignity get in the way. So I shook off the “shoulds” and “oughts” of adulthood. Instead, I embraced a childlike attitude, eager to play and get soaked.
I had so much fun! My heart was filled with awe and wonder at God’s creation.
By the time we were finished, we were soaked to the skin, and we were soaked with joy.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
We adults should learn some lessons from little children. Besides their immaturity, they have qualities that we tend to lose as we grow older.
Little children don’t worry about what others think. Their playful imagination is charming. They dream and pretend, not held back by what is possible. Do we hesitate to pursue God’s call because we’re hindered by what others will think? Do we limit God by what we see as impossible?
Little children trust the adults around them. They easily ask for help when they need something or comfort when they’re scared or hurt. Do we flex our self-sufficiency muscles instead of admitting we need God’s help? Do we turn to other things or people to ease the pain in our hearts?
Little children are humble and eager to learn. They haven’t yet developed pride or ambition. They are eager to discover more about the world around them. How much do we depend on God and the plans He has for our lives? How vital is it for us to spend time in God’s Word? Do we rely on it as our daily bread?
Of course, children aren’t perfect, but they possess an innocence we too often lack.
Jesus lovingly invites us to become like little children as we trust and follow Him.
Last week I attended my fortieth class reunion. A few days before, my daughter asked me what I would tell my eighteen-year-old self. I thought hard about it and decided to write myself a letter. There were actually so many things I wanted to share. I could probably write a book, but I condensed it to a letter. Here’s what I decided would be important.
Dear Eighteen-Year-Old Self,
I’m here to share some wisdom gained over time that you might find hard to believe or understand. Still, I hope you’ll hold onto these words and keep them in mind for when the time is right.
You love Jesus, which is the best foundation for life. He has changed your heart in many ways, and your passion to follow Him every day will give you strength. As you seek to know Jesus more, you will be transformed to become like Him. That is your deep desire, but it won’t happen the way you imagine. The journey is long and not easy.
Right now, you believe that faith will protect you from suffering and sickness. If you have enough faith in the Word of God, you will be blessed with financial and personal prosperity. That’s what you’re being taught now, and you look to your mentors as stellar examples. However, this is an incomplete teaching. In fact, this way of thinking actually diminishes faith, making it about you and what you can gain rather than how you can bless Jesus and others.
The way of Jesus is the way of sacrifice and suffering. Our human nature hates accepting this truth. Nevertheless, it is part of God’s upside-down Kingdom where true meaning is found.
The path of Jesus is one of sacrifice and suffering. Our human nature resists accepting this truth. However, it is part of God’s upside-down Kingdom where true purpose is discovered.
Following the way of Jesus means to sacrifice.
~The first shall be last. ~Carry your cross every day. ~Love your enemies. ~Take care of people who cannot repay you. ~It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~Turn the other cheek. ~Be a servant of all.
Jesus left the perfection of heaven for us. He ministered to the crowds even when He was exhausted. Jesus stayed true to His mission despite being misunderstood, hated, and ultimately crucified. He laid down His life for us, the ultimate sacrifice. You already know all this, but you haven’t had many chances to practice it. Life will require you to sacrifice more than you can imagine. View it as a way to love Jesus and others as Jesus loves you.
Following Jesus involves accepting suffering.
You may face the consequences of your own choices or end up in a broken world filled with broken people. Sometimes, it will make no sense. Even during the darkest moments – and they will come – Jesus, through His Spirit, is always there.
When we suffer, it opens a door to our soul if we lean on Jesus. Suffering smooths out the jagged edges of who God has created us to be. There will be seasons in life that are excruciating. Suffering is the crucible in which you will learn to trust Jesus more, along with perseverance.
You might hit rock bottom. Know with all your heart that Jesus is with you as your Rock. He will uphold you, and keep you from drowning.
You are loved by the God who has given you everything. He loves you and values you unconditionally. You don’t need to strive for perfection. His love for you isn’t based on your performance. Understanding the depth and profoundness of Jesus’ love will bring you true freedom.
You will not find validation through people, not even your husband. Over time, you will realize that God’s promise to teach you His “love through your relationship with Jonathan” means something different than you expect. In your marriage, you will face trials and pain together. Jesus, through His Spirit, will surround you with the love you long for. You will experience His enduring faithfulness. You have found the one in whom your soul delights.
However, life is not meant to be lived alone. You can’t grow in your relationship with Jesus in isolation. Being part of a community is essential—a small group of people with mutual love, accountability, honesty, vulnerability, and trust. It may take a while to figure this out, but someday you will discover the life-giving blessing.
Your life verse will be: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31). Aim to live this out in every way.
There are many more lessons I’ve learned, but you’ll discover them along the way. You have what it takes as you spend time with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
Grace and peace to you! ❤️
Your fifty-eight-year-old self
Maybe you aren’t eighteen years old, but something in this letter touched you. Keep it close to your heart. We are all on a journey of faith, becoming more of who Jesus created us to be, if we let Him. Jesus has the wholeness of soul you seek. He will sit with you in your brokenness. Often, He will bring healing; other times, He will give you the strength and hope during your weakest moments.
Trust Jesus to work in your life, no matter if you’re eighteen or eighty-eight (or older).
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.1 The word transformation comes from the ancient Greek term, “metamorphosis.” The Bible uses the word “metamorphosis” to describe the transformation in the lives of followers of Jesus.
Romans 12:2 is one of the best-known verses about this. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (metamorphoo) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (NIV).
People who believe in Jesus Christ and live for Him are being transformed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out. We begin to think differently, and our nature changes.
People attempt to make changes in their lives through self-control and willpower. That is good. But God says that we all need another change as well—the transformation of our hearts. It starts with believing in Jesus and trusting Him as Savior. That’s the beginning of our journey with Jesus. There is so much more than praying a prayer and going to heaven.
God has made it possible for you to go through gradual metamorphosis. You commit your life as a disciple of Jesus, and God’s Spirit lives inside you and changes you. Your attitudes, outlook, and desires change over time as you dedicate ourselves to learn what it means to follow Jesus on the Jesus Way.
Have you ever tried to transform a pig? It isn’t possible because the pig’s nature cannot change. Pigs love mud. You can give the pig a bath, spray the best body spray on him, put a gold chain around his neck, and bring him into the house. Eventually though, when you turn him loose or he finds a way to escape, the pig will jump into the first mud puddle he sees. Despite all that training, the pig is still a pig!
Thanks be to God for His power to change us! This goes beyond behavior modification.
There are many kinds of spiritual disciplines that lead to our spiritual formation.
In the classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster outlines three types of spiritual disciplines or practices: The inward disciplines, the outward disciplines, and the corporate disciplines.
Learning about the spiritual practices is essential as we seek to become more like Jesus. They are life-changing practices that the Holy Spirit uses to transform us inwardly.
However, it can be all too easy to emphasize the practices and lose sight of our relationship with Jesus. It’s a subtle change but it leads to practices that are not heart-felt. I’ve been there many times in my journey with Jesus. God in His grace has lovingly reminded me to return to being with Him.
I believe we are to focus on the why of spiritual practices more than on the what.
The bottom line is: BE with Jesus.
Following the Jesus Way starts with inner growth. You can do the right outward things without your heart being changed. However, when your heart is changed, your outward behavior will change. Your heart is changed when you spend time with Jesus.
The Jesus Way is counter-cultural. In Western society, it’s a badge of honor to be insanely busy. Even though we know that we should slow down, and we’ve heard about the Sabbath, our culture pulls us toward activities.
Many of us are tired, even exhausted. In our weary state, Jesus loving extends this invitation. Listen to His words. What stands out to you?
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).
Jesus loves you so much. He yearns for you to come to Him, to keep company with Him. He wants you to thrive as you follow Him as His disciples. Jesus wants the very best for you.
My dad is my hero. When I was growing up, though, he was not a good example of taking care of himself. My dad didn’t believe in God back then; he was an atheist, so there was that. He was a driven person and pushed himself hard. While working on his PhD and researching for his dissertation, he came home at 3 in the morning, slept for three hours, and got going again. He earned his PhD in record time, received his professorship tenure more quickly than usual, and became internationally renowned for his discoveries in his field. He invested in property and reached his goal of being a millionaire before age 30. This was in the 1970s. A million dollars had more spending power than today.
My parents divorced when my dad was 35 and things spiraled from there. He lost his fortune due to embezzlement. At the age of 41, he contracted a virus that destroyed his pancreas and made him a Type 1 diabetic. He was two weeks from death when doctors discovered what was wrong. It took several years for him to regain his health.
During this time period, my dad committed his life to Jesus. He spent hours with Jesus, and his heart began to change. One of his favorite Scripture verses is Psalm 90:12. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” NIV).
My dad is dedicated to being intentional and wise with the life God has given him. His days are centered on being with Jesus, and allowing Jesus to form his heart. His life doesn’t revolve around himself. He has dedicated his life to doing whatever Jesus asks him to do, even if it doesn’t make sense or is uncomfortable. He hears from Jesus because he makes time to listen, and he is obedient. That’s why my Dad is my hero.
True, meaningful life comes from Jesus alone, and by making space to be with Him.
Our life-giving connection to Jesus sustains us during times of joy and sorrow. It is characterized by a constant closeness that transcends our comprehension. Jesus is always at our side, ready to console and guide us. Seeking Him with open and humble hearts enables us to recognize His living presence in our daily lives. Through the gift of the Spirit, the very life of Christ takes root in our hearts.
The Jesus Way calls us to move beyond surface living into a deep relationship with our Savior and Master Jesus, and the people he loves. Our highest calling is to abide in His presence and yield to His transformative touch.
When we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out.
Once, there was a man named Nehemiah. He was a Jewish exile living in Persia and held a prestigious position as cup bearer to the king, ensuring that every drink served was safe for the king’s consumption.
One of the Jewish brothers visited Nehemiah and reported that the walls of Jerusalem were broken, and its gates had been burned with fire.
Nehemiah was overwhelmed by the news and felt heartbroken. He mourned, fasted, and prayed to God for mercy. He asked God to allow him to return and assist his people. It was highly unlikely that the king would permit Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The king needed him.
Nehemiah continued to pray, and an opportunity arose for him to make his request to the king. The king was pleased to send Nehemiah! God granted Nehemiah favor. A date was set, and arrangements were made to supply the timber and other materials needed.
The Jewish enemies opposed the rebuilding of the wall. They discouraged and threatened Nehemiah, spread false rumors about him, and attempted to halt the construction. Nevertheless, Nehemiah persevered, and the walls, with a circumference of 2.5 miles, were completed in just 52 days!
Nehemiah is the man credited with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, but he clearly could not have done it alone. He rallied the community for this holy cause, which included the men of Israel, the men of Bethlehem, the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers, the temple servants, and the descendants of the servants of Solomon. Nehemiah led them effectively. Each family was assigned a specific section of the wall to rebuild. As all of God’s people worked together under Nehemiah’s leadership, they accomplished an incredible feat.
Like Nehemiah, we need one another. You can’t become more like Jesus in isolation. You NEED community.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
No church is perfect because people can be messy. Ideally, a Jesus-centered community provides support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. It fosters spiritual growth and shared experiences. It’s a place where individuals can find strength and accountability in their spiritual journeys, creating a communal space for love and growth.
Western Christians find practicing community challenging because of our tradition of individualism and aversion to authority. Community requires sacrificing some privacy and rights. It often involves adapting to different ways of doing things. Living life together entails becoming vulnerable at times, acknowledging our weaknesses and needs. It also involves addressing these needs and demonstrating strength on behalf of others when necessary. Communal life means being willing to submit to the family of God, particularly to those whom God has placed in positions of ordained office—Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Spiritual formation within the community context requires sacrifice. However, Jesus sacrificed His life for us to be one, just as He and the Father are one.
But whatever the costs, we must learn to live in community. We must learn to deal with our differences in a biblical manner. We must work together on the mutual call to build God’s kingdom. We must live as the body of Christ, where every part of the community cares for every other part. We must rediscover what it means to live shared lives of generosity, mercy, friendship, and hospitality. Many of these virtues of the ancient church have been lost over time. It’s time to be awakened by the Holy Spirit.
Western spirituality often considers church community an optional complement to our personal relationship with Jesus. Many act as if God alone is sufficient and that other Christians are completely unnecessary. “Worshiping in your own way” has supplanted church gatherings. However, the Bible directs us otherwise.
In the creation account, God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground” (Genesis 1:26 NLT).
“Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…” This is the first mention of the Trinity. We know there is one God. The “us” refers to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God, three persons. God Himself is a community.
The Trinity created Adam.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18 NLT).
But Adam wasn’t alone; he had all the animals God had created, and God Himself walked with him. What else did Adam need? He needed human community.
God created us with a need for others.
So, God created Eve. Understanding the original language of the Bible is crucial. If you interpret the word “helper” through the lens of our current culture, you’ll think of an assistant or someone who provides help. This evokes an image of someone who is subservient, less than, or not equal. Like many other languages, one cannot directly translate a single word to another. It may require a phrase to convey the intended meaning. This also applies to the word “helper.”
“Helper” can be defined as: One who stands eye to eye. A complement that makes each other whole. A counterpart. An ally.
In our best situations, we need one another. 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NLT) says, “If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
We are all part of the body of Christ. This call for community extends beyond merely attending Sunday worship services for an hour and a half. It involves cultivating strong and supportive relationships with Jesus-minded friends, both inside and outside the church.
The early church nurtured deep relationships. As followers of the Jesus Way, they were often misunderstood, which encouraged them to stick together and remain united.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Every day, these followers of Jesus met in the temple courts, but there was more. They gathered in small groups in homes and spent time together. They learned the apostles’ teachings, shared meals and Holy Communion, and prayed together.
Our schedules would need significant adjustments to meet every day. However, we could meet more than once a week if we prioritize it. Spiritual formation can take place in community groups or small groups. It’s not guaranteed if interactions remain surface-level.
Groups are life-giving when they embody depth, vulnerability, and commitment to spiritual transformation.
I feel blessed to meet with an accountability partner every Monday. Our meetings always begin by asking, “How is your soul?”
God desires us to become more like Jesus as we follow the Jesus Way. You can’t do it alone; you need community.
It’s the day after Easter. We have just wrapped up a profound season of consecration and sacrifice. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, we dedicated ourselves to fasting, abstinence, prayer, and generosity. Our goal was to prepare our hearts for Holy Week. We experienced an emotional roller coaster during Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and the brutal beating and crucifixion of Jesus. It all culminated in the miraculous and powerful resurrection of Christ. Hallelujah! He is risen!
Easter was a time of fun, rejoicing, and special worship. Much planning goes into the worship service, a remarkable feat aimed at glorifying our risen King.
Now, the Easter season is done. We’ve put away the church displays and decor. My adrenaline has dropped. I am tired, but it’s a good tired. Everything is back to normal. Now what do we do?
The best news is Easter isn’t over! Jesus is still alive. The devil is still defeated. The power of sin and death is still broken. The kingdom of heaven is still a place of victory. Hallelujah! He is risen! Still!
The holy season has passed, and Jesus is still alive.
Hopefully, because of this season, we have changed.
Our faith has deepened as we have spent time with Jesus.
We are kind and compassionate as we have followed the way of Jesus.
Love flows from our hearts as we have sought to become more like Jesus.
We may observe Easter for a set period of time. But we can be ever-growing and ever-transformed.
We are blessed to walk with Jesus each day through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now is not the time to pack up your faith. It’s time to turn up the heat. Learn to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31).
Easter may be over for this year, but our journey with Jesus has just begun.
There have been times that my relationship with Jesus has felt dry. I can fulfill my “duties” as a follower of Jesus and a pastor, but if I’m not watchful, I slip into going-through-the-motions mode. I know better. God in His great mercy calls me back to my deep desire for Jesus.
Over a decade ago, I joined a cohort that changed my life. Everyone in the group was involved in church ministry, either as a pastor or a pastor’s wife. We were living for Jesus, serving Jesus, and yet feeling spiritually empty. It was there I learned that the way of Jesus doesn’t begin with doing. Doing emphasizes the external, not necessarily the condition of the heart. Following Jesus starts with being—longing to be in God’s presence and filled with His presence.
Being a disciple of Jesus begins with desire.
Desire is the deep yearning for knowing Jesus more and finding true life in Him.
Ruth Haley Barton, spiritual director and spiritual formation expert, says that Jesus “often brought focus and clarity to his interactions with those who were spiritually hungry by asking them, ‘What do you want? ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Such questions had the power to elicit deeply honest reflection in the person to whom they were addressed and opened the way for Christ to lead them into deeper levels of spiritual truth and healing.”
Mark 10:46-52 NIV Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 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!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Bartimaeus shows us what desiring Jesus looks like.
Cry out from the place of need. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
It wouldn’t be unusual to encounter a beggar on the side of the road. This road in Jericho was busy, even perilous. There sat Bartimaeus.
Suddenly, a crowd approached. Bartimaeus had highly developed senses that alerted him something significant was happening. He noticed the noise down the street, the pounding of feet on the ground, and the smell of dust in the air. He heard that Jesus was at the center of it all.
We don’t know exactly how much Bartimaeus knew about Jesus. Perhaps he had heard the prophecy that the Messiah would give sight to the blind. At the very least, he had heard the buzz about Jesus, the one who performed amazing miracles, including healing the deaf and restoring sight to the blind. Bartimaeus recognized that Jesus was someone special. He understood that Jesus could give him something far better than money. Jesus could restore his sight.
Bartimaeus was not timid. He didn’t care about being polite or offending anyone. He was in a state of desperation. He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
It can feel intimidating to acknowledge our needs, let alone express them openly. Most of us want to appear in control and have our lives in order. We can be completely honest with Jesus. There’s no shame in struggling or admitting we aren’t where we want to be in our relationship with Him. We can allow ourselves to be vulnerable. By recognizing our deep dependence on Jesus, we are free to pursue Him.
Here’s another remarkable aspect about Bartimaeus. He was one of the first disciples, apart from the inner circle of apostles, to declare Jesus as the Messiah. The title Son of David was specifically reserved for the Messiah. Jesus never corrected him or told him to stop proclaiming His Messiahship.
Let’s remember who we cry out to in our times of great need: Jesus, the Messiah, God the Son, the Lover of our Souls, who loves to make Himself more deeply known to us.
Leave behind your cloak.
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus had called him, he immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up, and went to Jesus. This action is astounding.
If you lived in Palestine during the first century, your cloak would probably be your most valued possession. You likely could afford only one. Cloaks were costly, thick, and heavy garments designed for multiple purposes. You would wear it as a coat in cold weather and use it as a blanket at night. Bartimaeus would spread his cloak in front of him during the day to collect any coins that passersby might toss his way. For Bartimaeus, his cloak was all he had. It served as protection from harsh weather, a blanket at night, and a tool of his trade.
It would have been understandable for Bartimaeus to cling to his cloak as a precaution. Just in case Jesus couldn’t or wouldn’t heal him. Just in case his sight wasn’t restored. Just in case he had to keep begging for the rest of his life.
But Bartimaeus had no backup plan. He trusted in Jesus completely, and he knew that his encounter with Jesus would change his life forever.
Do you have a cloak? Do you find yourself hiding or isolating? Do you rely on predictable comfort, self-protection, or self-sufficiency? How do you feel about casting aside your cloak and running to Jesus with trust? Do you want to be well? Do you believe that Jesus is more than enough? You might need time to wrestle with these questions. When you are ready, know that Jesus is waiting. You can cast aside your cloak and run to Jesus. Let your desire lead you to Him.
Name your desire in Jesus’ presence. Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He is blind. Jesus can see clearly that he is blind. Naturally, he wants to regain his sight. However, there is power in naming your desire to Jesus. Jesus wants him to express it because doing so makes Bartimaeus’s need clearer and enhances his faith.
Bartimaeus didn’t hesitate. “Rabbi, I want to see.” He named his desire. Jesus didn’t need dramatic gestures. In a moment, without any fuss, Bartimaeus received what he had asked for. Suddenly, Bartimaeus could see. His darkness had ended, and the sunshine replaced it.
Jesus’ words affirmed Bartimaeus: “Go, your faith has healed you.” There was a prevalent belief that disabled individuals were more sinful than others or that sin played a role somehow. But, Jesus emphasized Bartimaeus’ faith. Sin had not caused his blindness; his faith led to his healing. He stepped forward despite the crowd’s opposition and trusted Jesus wholeheartedly.
Sometimes we hesitate to express our desires to Jesus. In these moments, silence is not golden. Pride can stand in the way. Fear can stand in the way. Feeling unworthy can stand in the way. None of these feelings come from God. The devil can wreak havoc in our minds when we remain silent and hesitant to speak out. When we declare our needs to Jesus, the darkness of secrecy is stripped away.
Similar to Bartimaeus, Jesus invites you to voice your needs. When you do, your needs become clearer, and your faith is reinforced. Jesus is lovingly attentive; He longs to meet you at your point of desire. He wants to transform your life.
Follow Jesus in a new way. “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
Jesus said, “Go.” Bartimaeus now had the freedom to go wherever he wished. He chose to follow Jesus and set off with the crowd. They made their way to Jerusalem in time for Passover. Bartimaeus had another special reason for going. He intended to make a sacrifice at the Temple to thank God for restoring his sight. Bartimaeus was no longer a helpless beggar; he had been given a new life.
God gives sight to the blind. God opens our eyes to see Jesus too. When we are healed from spiritual blindness, we understand who Jesus is and surrender to His way. We come to Jesus with desire to pursue Him and to know Him more deeply. A desire so intense and profound fills our hearts, ready for expression.
Following Jesus is more wonderful, amazing, freeing, powerful, and life-giving than we can ever wrap our minds around.
Ephesians 3:17-21 NIV And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Way of Jesus is about being with Jesus before doing for Him. It’s discipleship. It’s following Jesus closely because of our desire for Him. First things first.
The J Word 