Keys to the Storehouse – Blinded Eyesight

Are you blinded with your eyesight? Many times our sight seems to get in the way of spiritual things. Bartimaeus was blind. He had a need—he wanted to see. One day he heard a multitude pass by and he asked what it meant. We read in Luke 18:37–43 the story. He was told “that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by” (verse 37). He knew that this might be his last opportunity to receive sight. And so, “he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me” (verse 38). Did the people around him help him or hinder him? “And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more. Thou Son of David, have mercy on me” (verse 39).

Bartimaeus had a need and even though he was blind, he knew by faith that Jesus could heal him. He refused to allow that moment to pass and as he called Jesus heard him. “Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him: and … He asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”

“It is only when the sinner feels the need of a Saviour, that his heart goes after the One Who can help him. … The poor, the afflicted and distressed, followed after Him, to receive the help and comfort which they could not find elsewhere. Blind Bartimaeus is waiting by the wayside …

  • Throngs of people who possess their sight are passing to and fro,
  • but they have no desire to see Jesus” [blinded eyesight]. The Review and Herald, March 15, 1887.

Do the things of this world blind your eyes that you feel no need to look to Jesus? “One look of faith would touch His heart of love, and bring them the blessings of His grace;

  • but they know not the sickness and poverty of their souls, and
  • they feel no need of Christ.

Not so with the poor blind man. His only hope is in Jesus. …” Ibid. The blind man was waiting and watching and though he was blind, he could see through the eye of faith and nothing could prevent him from calling out to Jesus. “The by-standers … try to silence him, but he cries the more vehemently, ‘Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!’

  • This appeal is heard.
  • His persevering faith is rewarded.
  • Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened.
  • In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of Righteousness shines into his soul.

All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimaeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave.” Ibid.

Do you feel your need of Jesus?

Father: Do not allow me to be blinded by the things in this world, which cause me to think that I have no need of Jesus. Remove the worldly and restore my sight that I may again receive the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness into my soul just as my brother, Bartimaeus, received that life and light. I want to see Jesus. Amen.