Voice, Not Noise

It seemed like just another day, on that dusty road to Jericho. The rare traveller, and even rarer alms. Nobody really cared about Bartimaeus. He was just another blind beggar. And Bartimaeus was all set to beg his heart away and make the most of every passerby.

All of a sudden, Bartimaeus heard the rising tempo of excited voices. It seemed like there was a large crowd approaching. Aah, it looks like this could be a good day, thought Bartimaeus. More people should mean more alms hopefully.

As he listened closely though, Bartimaeus realized it was not just any traveller. It was Jesus of Nazareth passing by! And there was a huge crowd following Him. It was Jesus, the Healer! He had heard about this amazing new Teacher, who they say was the Messiah. They say that Jesus had been healing people, recently He had even healed a boy possessed by an evil spirit. In a flash, it all came to him and Bartimaeus did not wait a second further. He knew this was the chance of a lifetime. He could be healed! He raised his voice and shouted; Son of David have mercy on me. But the crowds rebuked him.

The crowds tried hard to keep Bartimaeus quiet. They literally told him to shut up. They were saying, you are not important Bartimaeus, you are just a blind beggar. There are more important people here. Ouch! Those were mean words, sharp and painful. Bartimaeus could have let those words sink in and keep him down. But Bartimaeus only raised his voice louder and called out to Jesus. And Jesus stopped!

Amidst all the noise Jesus heard Bartimaeus. The crowd thought Bartimaeus should be quiet, but not Jesus. Jesus was interested in Bartimaeus. Jesus was interested in the blind beggar whom nobody wanted. For Jesus, Bartimaeus was not just noise, he was a voice. He was a person, who mattered.

Do you have people who are not interested in you? Who don't think you are important, who rebuke you and don't have time for you? Remember, to Jesus, you matter. To Jesus you are not noise, you are a welcome voice. The voice of one He created. The voice of one whom He loves, not just loves, but the voice of one He loves enough to die for.

You matter to Jesus!

Heavenly Father thank you that you are interested in me and stop to listen to my voice. Help me always remember this I pray.