Healing A Blind Beggar
Preaching
Preaching The Miracles
Series III, Cycle B
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Background Material
This is the last miracle which Mark records. It concludes Mark's thrilling reports of the wondrous blessing which Christ bestowed upon the blind, the sick, the deaf, and even the dead. This particular miracle was reported by other Evangelists, who do not name the beggar. It is Mark alone who furnishes the name of Bartimaeus, which means son of Timaeus. It is somewhat curious how Mark had this information. Did he ask the man's name at the time of the miracle? Was the man a familiar beggar at this spot and thus generally known?
Although he was blind and could not see, he could hear a crowd coming along the road. The trampling feet and the conversations of the approaching group caught his attention. Out of curiosity he asked those around him to explain who was causing this commotion. To his surprise he was told that it was Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus happened to be traveling this way, headed for Jerusalem. This miracle would mark the end of his public ministry. Just ahead lay a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, followed by a horrible crucifixion just a few days later. But after suffering death on a cross there would be the greatest miracle ever recorded: Christ's own resurrection. Before long he was to return to the Father in Heaven.
By now the fame of Jesus and the stories of his miracles had become widespread. So when he learned of the presence of Christ, a great hope surged up in the heart of the beggar. So he cried out, hoping Christ would hear him. When he was told to be quiet he disregarded the admonition and continued all the louder. His cries caught the ear of Christ, who must have sensed a need of healing. So Jesus stopped and ordered that Bartimaeus be brought to him. When they were together, though he knew what Bartimaeus wanted, Christ asked the blind man to state his desire. Was this request meant to crowd out all other thoughts in order to center on the one thing the man most wanted? Perhaps it was to rally his faith and strengthen his hope in receiving a miracle. The question is somewhat surprising since the man's need was evident and it was apparent that he had supreme confidence in Jesus to restore his sight. Surprisingly, when the miracle was performed, Jesus did not touch the man or use any elements such as clay to restore sight. Jesus simply said to Bartimaeus, "Go your way; your faith has made you whole."
Once again, Jesus is stressing the vital need of faith, not only to have one's sins forgiven and to receive the assurances of eternal life, but also to have an earthly desire fulfilled.
Jesus put no price on his miraculous healing. He did not ask the man to become one of his followers. In fact, he actually suggested another course for the man to follow, saying "Go thy way." But Bartimaeus was so filled with joy and gratitude that he happily joined the crowd around Jesus and followed him into Jerusalem. There have been conjectures about Bartimaeus and his actions during the climactic days of Christ's life. But we are left only with the knowledge that at this point he followed Christ "on the way."
Sermon Material
When Jesus Passes By
We are not living in the day when Jesus was to be seen physically on earth. We cannot call out to him when he passes near to us. But there are many ways in which Jesus crosses our lives each day. For the religiously involved there are worship services, where his presence is felt. Did he not say that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there? Sometimes Jesus confronts us in a person who is in need, and we are able to meet that need. Christ gave us an impelling reason to visit the sick, the imprisoned, the widows, and the fatherless when he said that in doing so we are doing it to him. So we have many opportunities to draw near to Christ and to realize that he is very close by. The big questions are: How do we react? How do we take advantage of the opportunity to call out to Christ and seek his healing power? Christ is more than willing to come into our lives and meet our needs, but we should initiate the opportunity.
Instead of ignoring the passing Christ, we can call out to him and then respond to his invitation. With his presence and power we can do the good works which define those who claim to be people of faith. We can call the attention of others to the Christ who stands waiting to forgive their sins, to console, to inspire.
Persistence In Our Requests Of God
When Bartimaeus learned that Christ was passing by and called out to him for mercy, he was told by several people to be quiet. But he refused. He continued to call out to Christ all the louder and harder. In the end, Jesus heard him and asked him to come over to him. There he was told of the blindness of Bartimaeus, who asked Christ to restore his sight. Persistence is a characteristic of a strong faith. Jesus tells of a man who was visited late at night by a neighbor who was asking a favor. The request was refused until the persistence of the asker is met in order to stop the repeated request. Jesus told the parable in order to encourage us to persist when approaching God with our requests. On another occasion Jesus tells of a judge who would not answer the pleas of a widow until she had worn him down with her requests. Seeking God's help is not a one-time matter, for we must be persistent in approaching the Almighty with our requests.
Answering Christ's Invitation
When Jesus asked that Bartimaeus join him, Bartimaeus responded immediately. Note that Jesus did not go over to where the blind Bartimaeus was calling out to him. Bartimaeus had to make the move, he had to respond to Christ's invitation to come to him. A miracle was the result; he was given his sight. Jesus says to everyone, "Come unto me,"Êand we must respond. But do we do so? Church bells announce that it is Sunday and services of worship are available. It is a day to go to church to meet Jesus, who said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name," there he is in their midst. He calls us to daily prayer. Do we respond? When tempted to do wrong do we hear his voice speaking to our conscience, or our better self? The initiative is up to us. Christ wants us to come to him with all of our life's hopes and dreams, disappointments and sorrows. Answer his bid to "come unto me."
Expressing Gratitude To God
Because he was given his sight, Bartimaeus "followed Christ." It was his way of showing gratitude for the restoration of his sight. He could have accepted the wonderful healing and then gone on his own way. Rather he became a faithful follower of Christ. Jesus reminded us of the importance of expressing gratitude when he healed the ten lepers and only one returned to give thanks for being cured from a horrible disease. We ask many things of God and do so rather frequently. Are we quick to express gratitude when our prayers are answered? Do we remember daily that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and then take the trouble to express our gratitude? It is a very selfish person who is glad to receive but can't be bothered to give thanks. Ann Landers is often asked what one should do who sends a gift to someone, say a grandchild, but never receives an acknowledgment or a word of thanks. This can be very irritating. But ask yourself, "Since I receive so much each day from God, am I quick to say 'thank you' to him?" Ann's advice is to stop giving until a gift is acknowledged, or better still, to send an unsigned check which forces the receiver to reply in order to complete the action. We should be thankful that God does not stop giving in spite of ingratitude. So, rather than self-righteously condemning ingratitude, make sure that you are one who is always prompt in expressing gratitude.
"A Blind Beggar ... Was Sitting By The Roadside"
There are still beggars on the street in our age, mostly in large cities. We can only wonder at their story and their real need. Some are no doubt homeless. Some are badly crippled, while others could probably get a job and support themselves if they wanted to.
As we pass them, various thoughts are apt to race through our minds. We question their sincerity, and we do not wish to be gullible. Are they really crippled? Do they seek money in order to buy alcohol or drugs rather than food? Sometimes they do not make health or bodily needs an issue. Instead they say they are on their way home but are stranded without the necessary funds to buy a bus ticket or to secure a night's lodging.
Should we help them? Are they merely trying to deceive us so they can take advantage of us? When such questions confront us, we can assume one of several attitudes. We can shake them off with any one of a dozen explanations: we have no money with us, we just helped someone else and our funds are depleted. But we can also try the alternative of actually helping them. Sometimes this results in giving them money. And sometimes, wary of their statements, we go with them to a restaurant where we pay the bill and know they are spending it on food. Of course, there is always the alternative of shelling out some money in answer to their pleas for help. What should we do?
Perhaps the best plan is to help them. After all, they may truly be in need. If they are not it is they, not we, who can be criticized and have it on their conscience while ours is free of guilt or judgment of our action.
Illustrations
It Is Spring And I Am Blind
When we consider the handicap of blindness, a spring of pity arises for those who cannot see. One thinks of the beauty of nature, climaxing in a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. Then there is a full moon, or a starry night, the subjects of so many romantic songs. A blind person is denied the joy of seeing the faces of loved ones, including little children.
An impressive story of a blind man is one that tells of a man on the streets of New York City. It was in the beautiful month of May and people were enjoying a spring morning. Their emotions were stirred when they came upon this blind beggar who carried a sign reading: "It is spring and I am blind." He knew that there was beauty all around him: spring flowers, blossoming shrubs and trees, newly-sprouted little leaves, but he could only imagine how wonderful all that beauty was. It must be vexing to smell spring in the air but not be able to witness this wonderful time of year.
Do we fully appreciate the blessings of sight which God has given us? Are we moved to express gratitude for so wonderful a physical sense?
Second Sight
A line in a hymn reads, "I was blind, but now I see." It is not referring to physical blindness, but to a lack of vision of the spiritual world. There is a spiritual blindness which can be a great handicap to the health of our soul. It is possible to see physically, but not to do so spiritually. We can have our vision, yet not see that we are sinners in need of a Savior. We can view our earthly possessions, but be blinded to the fact that we have not laid up any treasure in heaven. Just as Christ healed Bartimaeus of physical blindness, he can lead us to comprehend our spiritual state. We have heard people use the phrase, "I see, said the blind man." It is not a contradiction, but refers to the insight beyond our physical situation. Have you received your second sight?
Jesus Passes By
Little Selby was drawing a picture with pen and ink. It turned out to be a cat without a tail. "Where's the tail?" asked her mother. Selby looked puzzled for a moment and then replied, "Why, it's in the ink bottle yet."
So many of the good things we plan to do are like that; they are still in the ink bottle. They are an intention that has not been carried out. This can be true of the greatest thing in life: the will to follow Christ and live out our life as belonging to him. He is now near at hand, as he was to the blind Bartimaeus. But we have to realize that now is the time to put into action our good intentions about Christ. It was the English essayist Joseph Addison who said: "We are always complaining that our days are few, and acting as if there were no end of them."
* * *
The blind Bartimaeus did not let the opportunity slip away to reach out to Jesus as he passed by. As a result he became a follower of the Lord and could lead a fulfilled life. All about us are people who do not realize that it is the lack of Christ in their lives which can account for their failures. We have learned something important about suicides as a result of serious study. Suicides are not most frequent among the poor and destitute, as we might expect. They occur among the people who have so much of the good things of life. It has become evident that those who commit suicide may have much in the way of worldly goods, but they lack something to live for. They have not developed a desire for the life that is more than meat.
Meeting Christ
History tells some stories about a few times when two people met each other dramatically to discuss matters which carried serious consequences. This occurred on July 25, 1807, at a spot in the Tilsit River in Prussia. In the middle of that stream Napoleon and Alexander held a much publicized private conference. It was widely described in advance as a meeting which would "arrange the destinies of humankind." Cannons boomed, and the shouts of thousands of soldiers gathered on each side of the river added to the noise as the conference began.
Bartimaeus had an opportunity to meet Christ, one on one, and took advantage of it. As a result, he was greatly blessed. You and I have the same privilege of meeting with Christ, one on one. Christ is calling to us, saying, "Come unto me."ÊSuch an encounter, for each one of us, is by far the most important in our lives, for it determines our eternal destiny.
Persistence
Those around him tried to hush Bartimaeus as he was calling out to Christ. But he persisted. When Christ called him as a result of his persistent crying out, he was healed of his blindness.
The story is told of a man being chased by a lion while on an African safari. The man saw a tree a short distance ahead, with a branch crossing his path a little above his head. When he reached the branch he made a mighty leap. When telling the story later he was asked, "Did you manage to reach up to the branch?" "No," the man replied, "but I caught it on the way down."
Often it is on the second or third try that one succeeds in gaining what one seeks. Persistence helps. We must be willing to repeat our prayer requests.
Jesus Said, "Call Him"
During World War II, after a German attack, an American boy returned to his company after a sick leave and discovered that his army buddy, with whom he had fought side by side, was being reported as missing in action. Immediately he asked permission to go back over the battlefield in search of his friend. His officer strongly advised him not to go on such an errand, saying, "If you go, it will not be worth it. Go at your own risk, but I am sure it will cost you your life." The young soldier went out, found his friend badly hurt, and carried him back to his own line. But at this point the wounded man died. Then the rescuer himself was shot. The officer, leaning over the rescuer just before he died, said, "I told you that you would lose your life if you ventured out on the battlefield. Was it worth it?" "Yes, sir," the dying man replied. "When my friend saw me he said, 'I knew you would come.' "
* * *
Christ is counting on you to come in answer to his call. To you, Christ is saying, "Come unto me." If you do not have a great deal of courage to be a Christian, no matter what, you will wilt before this challenge. If your heart is not filled with Christian love you will not heed the call to serve him. Christ confronts you with this challenge. Do with it what you will. "Come unto me."
Meeting Human Needs By Ways Other Than With Money
A man was walking along the street of a big city when he was accosted by a beggar. Deciding to help the beggar, the man stopped and reached into his pocket for his wallet. The action encouraged the beggar, who waited expectantly. But then the man realized that in leaving home he had inadvertently forgotten to pick up his wallet and so had no means of giving a gift. "Friend," he said to the beggar, "I'm sorry but I forgot and left my wallet at home. I'm sorry, but I can't help you."
"That's all right," answered the beggar. "You have already given me a big lift. You called me friend."
Background Material
This is the last miracle which Mark records. It concludes Mark's thrilling reports of the wondrous blessing which Christ bestowed upon the blind, the sick, the deaf, and even the dead. This particular miracle was reported by other Evangelists, who do not name the beggar. It is Mark alone who furnishes the name of Bartimaeus, which means son of Timaeus. It is somewhat curious how Mark had this information. Did he ask the man's name at the time of the miracle? Was the man a familiar beggar at this spot and thus generally known?
Although he was blind and could not see, he could hear a crowd coming along the road. The trampling feet and the conversations of the approaching group caught his attention. Out of curiosity he asked those around him to explain who was causing this commotion. To his surprise he was told that it was Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus happened to be traveling this way, headed for Jerusalem. This miracle would mark the end of his public ministry. Just ahead lay a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, followed by a horrible crucifixion just a few days later. But after suffering death on a cross there would be the greatest miracle ever recorded: Christ's own resurrection. Before long he was to return to the Father in Heaven.
By now the fame of Jesus and the stories of his miracles had become widespread. So when he learned of the presence of Christ, a great hope surged up in the heart of the beggar. So he cried out, hoping Christ would hear him. When he was told to be quiet he disregarded the admonition and continued all the louder. His cries caught the ear of Christ, who must have sensed a need of healing. So Jesus stopped and ordered that Bartimaeus be brought to him. When they were together, though he knew what Bartimaeus wanted, Christ asked the blind man to state his desire. Was this request meant to crowd out all other thoughts in order to center on the one thing the man most wanted? Perhaps it was to rally his faith and strengthen his hope in receiving a miracle. The question is somewhat surprising since the man's need was evident and it was apparent that he had supreme confidence in Jesus to restore his sight. Surprisingly, when the miracle was performed, Jesus did not touch the man or use any elements such as clay to restore sight. Jesus simply said to Bartimaeus, "Go your way; your faith has made you whole."
Once again, Jesus is stressing the vital need of faith, not only to have one's sins forgiven and to receive the assurances of eternal life, but also to have an earthly desire fulfilled.
Jesus put no price on his miraculous healing. He did not ask the man to become one of his followers. In fact, he actually suggested another course for the man to follow, saying "Go thy way." But Bartimaeus was so filled with joy and gratitude that he happily joined the crowd around Jesus and followed him into Jerusalem. There have been conjectures about Bartimaeus and his actions during the climactic days of Christ's life. But we are left only with the knowledge that at this point he followed Christ "on the way."
Sermon Material
When Jesus Passes By
We are not living in the day when Jesus was to be seen physically on earth. We cannot call out to him when he passes near to us. But there are many ways in which Jesus crosses our lives each day. For the religiously involved there are worship services, where his presence is felt. Did he not say that where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there? Sometimes Jesus confronts us in a person who is in need, and we are able to meet that need. Christ gave us an impelling reason to visit the sick, the imprisoned, the widows, and the fatherless when he said that in doing so we are doing it to him. So we have many opportunities to draw near to Christ and to realize that he is very close by. The big questions are: How do we react? How do we take advantage of the opportunity to call out to Christ and seek his healing power? Christ is more than willing to come into our lives and meet our needs, but we should initiate the opportunity.
Instead of ignoring the passing Christ, we can call out to him and then respond to his invitation. With his presence and power we can do the good works which define those who claim to be people of faith. We can call the attention of others to the Christ who stands waiting to forgive their sins, to console, to inspire.
Persistence In Our Requests Of God
When Bartimaeus learned that Christ was passing by and called out to him for mercy, he was told by several people to be quiet. But he refused. He continued to call out to Christ all the louder and harder. In the end, Jesus heard him and asked him to come over to him. There he was told of the blindness of Bartimaeus, who asked Christ to restore his sight. Persistence is a characteristic of a strong faith. Jesus tells of a man who was visited late at night by a neighbor who was asking a favor. The request was refused until the persistence of the asker is met in order to stop the repeated request. Jesus told the parable in order to encourage us to persist when approaching God with our requests. On another occasion Jesus tells of a judge who would not answer the pleas of a widow until she had worn him down with her requests. Seeking God's help is not a one-time matter, for we must be persistent in approaching the Almighty with our requests.
Answering Christ's Invitation
When Jesus asked that Bartimaeus join him, Bartimaeus responded immediately. Note that Jesus did not go over to where the blind Bartimaeus was calling out to him. Bartimaeus had to make the move, he had to respond to Christ's invitation to come to him. A miracle was the result; he was given his sight. Jesus says to everyone, "Come unto me,"Êand we must respond. But do we do so? Church bells announce that it is Sunday and services of worship are available. It is a day to go to church to meet Jesus, who said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name," there he is in their midst. He calls us to daily prayer. Do we respond? When tempted to do wrong do we hear his voice speaking to our conscience, or our better self? The initiative is up to us. Christ wants us to come to him with all of our life's hopes and dreams, disappointments and sorrows. Answer his bid to "come unto me."
Expressing Gratitude To God
Because he was given his sight, Bartimaeus "followed Christ." It was his way of showing gratitude for the restoration of his sight. He could have accepted the wonderful healing and then gone on his own way. Rather he became a faithful follower of Christ. Jesus reminded us of the importance of expressing gratitude when he healed the ten lepers and only one returned to give thanks for being cured from a horrible disease. We ask many things of God and do so rather frequently. Are we quick to express gratitude when our prayers are answered? Do we remember daily that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and then take the trouble to express our gratitude? It is a very selfish person who is glad to receive but can't be bothered to give thanks. Ann Landers is often asked what one should do who sends a gift to someone, say a grandchild, but never receives an acknowledgment or a word of thanks. This can be very irritating. But ask yourself, "Since I receive so much each day from God, am I quick to say 'thank you' to him?" Ann's advice is to stop giving until a gift is acknowledged, or better still, to send an unsigned check which forces the receiver to reply in order to complete the action. We should be thankful that God does not stop giving in spite of ingratitude. So, rather than self-righteously condemning ingratitude, make sure that you are one who is always prompt in expressing gratitude.
"A Blind Beggar ... Was Sitting By The Roadside"
There are still beggars on the street in our age, mostly in large cities. We can only wonder at their story and their real need. Some are no doubt homeless. Some are badly crippled, while others could probably get a job and support themselves if they wanted to.
As we pass them, various thoughts are apt to race through our minds. We question their sincerity, and we do not wish to be gullible. Are they really crippled? Do they seek money in order to buy alcohol or drugs rather than food? Sometimes they do not make health or bodily needs an issue. Instead they say they are on their way home but are stranded without the necessary funds to buy a bus ticket or to secure a night's lodging.
Should we help them? Are they merely trying to deceive us so they can take advantage of us? When such questions confront us, we can assume one of several attitudes. We can shake them off with any one of a dozen explanations: we have no money with us, we just helped someone else and our funds are depleted. But we can also try the alternative of actually helping them. Sometimes this results in giving them money. And sometimes, wary of their statements, we go with them to a restaurant where we pay the bill and know they are spending it on food. Of course, there is always the alternative of shelling out some money in answer to their pleas for help. What should we do?
Perhaps the best plan is to help them. After all, they may truly be in need. If they are not it is they, not we, who can be criticized and have it on their conscience while ours is free of guilt or judgment of our action.
Illustrations
It Is Spring And I Am Blind
When we consider the handicap of blindness, a spring of pity arises for those who cannot see. One thinks of the beauty of nature, climaxing in a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. Then there is a full moon, or a starry night, the subjects of so many romantic songs. A blind person is denied the joy of seeing the faces of loved ones, including little children.
An impressive story of a blind man is one that tells of a man on the streets of New York City. It was in the beautiful month of May and people were enjoying a spring morning. Their emotions were stirred when they came upon this blind beggar who carried a sign reading: "It is spring and I am blind." He knew that there was beauty all around him: spring flowers, blossoming shrubs and trees, newly-sprouted little leaves, but he could only imagine how wonderful all that beauty was. It must be vexing to smell spring in the air but not be able to witness this wonderful time of year.
Do we fully appreciate the blessings of sight which God has given us? Are we moved to express gratitude for so wonderful a physical sense?
Second Sight
A line in a hymn reads, "I was blind, but now I see." It is not referring to physical blindness, but to a lack of vision of the spiritual world. There is a spiritual blindness which can be a great handicap to the health of our soul. It is possible to see physically, but not to do so spiritually. We can have our vision, yet not see that we are sinners in need of a Savior. We can view our earthly possessions, but be blinded to the fact that we have not laid up any treasure in heaven. Just as Christ healed Bartimaeus of physical blindness, he can lead us to comprehend our spiritual state. We have heard people use the phrase, "I see, said the blind man." It is not a contradiction, but refers to the insight beyond our physical situation. Have you received your second sight?
Jesus Passes By
Little Selby was drawing a picture with pen and ink. It turned out to be a cat without a tail. "Where's the tail?" asked her mother. Selby looked puzzled for a moment and then replied, "Why, it's in the ink bottle yet."
So many of the good things we plan to do are like that; they are still in the ink bottle. They are an intention that has not been carried out. This can be true of the greatest thing in life: the will to follow Christ and live out our life as belonging to him. He is now near at hand, as he was to the blind Bartimaeus. But we have to realize that now is the time to put into action our good intentions about Christ. It was the English essayist Joseph Addison who said: "We are always complaining that our days are few, and acting as if there were no end of them."
* * *
The blind Bartimaeus did not let the opportunity slip away to reach out to Jesus as he passed by. As a result he became a follower of the Lord and could lead a fulfilled life. All about us are people who do not realize that it is the lack of Christ in their lives which can account for their failures. We have learned something important about suicides as a result of serious study. Suicides are not most frequent among the poor and destitute, as we might expect. They occur among the people who have so much of the good things of life. It has become evident that those who commit suicide may have much in the way of worldly goods, but they lack something to live for. They have not developed a desire for the life that is more than meat.
Meeting Christ
History tells some stories about a few times when two people met each other dramatically to discuss matters which carried serious consequences. This occurred on July 25, 1807, at a spot in the Tilsit River in Prussia. In the middle of that stream Napoleon and Alexander held a much publicized private conference. It was widely described in advance as a meeting which would "arrange the destinies of humankind." Cannons boomed, and the shouts of thousands of soldiers gathered on each side of the river added to the noise as the conference began.
Bartimaeus had an opportunity to meet Christ, one on one, and took advantage of it. As a result, he was greatly blessed. You and I have the same privilege of meeting with Christ, one on one. Christ is calling to us, saying, "Come unto me."ÊSuch an encounter, for each one of us, is by far the most important in our lives, for it determines our eternal destiny.
Persistence
Those around him tried to hush Bartimaeus as he was calling out to Christ. But he persisted. When Christ called him as a result of his persistent crying out, he was healed of his blindness.
The story is told of a man being chased by a lion while on an African safari. The man saw a tree a short distance ahead, with a branch crossing his path a little above his head. When he reached the branch he made a mighty leap. When telling the story later he was asked, "Did you manage to reach up to the branch?" "No," the man replied, "but I caught it on the way down."
Often it is on the second or third try that one succeeds in gaining what one seeks. Persistence helps. We must be willing to repeat our prayer requests.
Jesus Said, "Call Him"
During World War II, after a German attack, an American boy returned to his company after a sick leave and discovered that his army buddy, with whom he had fought side by side, was being reported as missing in action. Immediately he asked permission to go back over the battlefield in search of his friend. His officer strongly advised him not to go on such an errand, saying, "If you go, it will not be worth it. Go at your own risk, but I am sure it will cost you your life." The young soldier went out, found his friend badly hurt, and carried him back to his own line. But at this point the wounded man died. Then the rescuer himself was shot. The officer, leaning over the rescuer just before he died, said, "I told you that you would lose your life if you ventured out on the battlefield. Was it worth it?" "Yes, sir," the dying man replied. "When my friend saw me he said, 'I knew you would come.' "
* * *
Christ is counting on you to come in answer to his call. To you, Christ is saying, "Come unto me." If you do not have a great deal of courage to be a Christian, no matter what, you will wilt before this challenge. If your heart is not filled with Christian love you will not heed the call to serve him. Christ confronts you with this challenge. Do with it what you will. "Come unto me."
Meeting Human Needs By Ways Other Than With Money
A man was walking along the street of a big city when he was accosted by a beggar. Deciding to help the beggar, the man stopped and reached into his pocket for his wallet. The action encouraged the beggar, who waited expectantly. But then the man realized that in leaving home he had inadvertently forgotten to pick up his wallet and so had no means of giving a gift. "Friend," he said to the beggar, "I'm sorry but I forgot and left my wallet at home. I'm sorry, but I can't help you."
"That's all right," answered the beggar. "You have already given me a big lift. You called me friend."
