I was asked to lead devotions and as I was trying to figure out what to speak about, the Lord led me to the passage of Mark 10:46-52, the passage about blind Bartimaeus. 

Although Bartimaeus was blind, he had sight and faith far beyond most people; even the Pharisees of the time (the people who studied the scriptures and texts).  When he heard Jesus of Nazareth was passing by him, he shouted out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!”  This title is only used in this passage, a title declaring the coming messiah. 

Bartimaeus was called to come to Jesus, just as Jesus calls each and everyone of us to receive his love, grace, mercy, and gift of salvation.  Immediately, Bartimaeus threw his cloak away and was healed because of his faith.  AMEN!

But let’s rewind one minute.  The cloak was tossed aside.  This cloak has more significance than you would think.  First, it was most likely used to spread out during the day to collect coins as he was begging.  It was most likely also used as a cover at night to keep him warm. It was probably his most prized possession that also reminded him of his day-to-day dependence on man.  So, when he tossed the cloak away to run to Jesus, he tossed away the old life he was living to become a child of God.  His faith made him well. 

What “cloak” are YOU holding onto today?  What is keeping you from accepting Christ as your savior or what is holding you back from fully following Christ?  Toss you cloak(s) aside and rejoice in the new life you have received!