New Year devotion: Asking for Help - Mark 10:51

Mark 10:51   "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 

            So, we've crossed the threshold of yet another New Year and only God knows what lies ahead. We've probably still got that feeling of wanting to do something significant, something different, or something effective in 2015, but within a couple of weeks, that feeling will usually diminish and we’ll settle back into our old ways, old routine, and old ideas. After all, we’re human – we like to be challenged and changed, but we prefer being cozy and comfortable.

            Today’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:46-52) about Jesus and Blind Bartimaeus made me wonder about why Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted. Wasn't it obvious? Did Jesus actually need Bartimaeus to vocalize what he desperately needed? He was blind, so what does any blind person want, but to see again?

            There must be something more to this request. It’s blatantly clear to everyone that Bartimaeus wants his sight restored, but Jesus makes him clarify the request personally. In other words, Bartimaeus has to humbly ask in order to be healed. He also has to confirm that it’s only Jesus who can do this for him, which is why Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

            As we walk deeper into this fresh year, we could imagine Jesus asking of us a similar question: “What do you want ME to do for you in 2015?” Do we know? Are we prepared to ask Him? Are we willing to express our personal hopes and dreams to Him, as well as completely depending upon Christ to fulfill those requests? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Prayer:           Lord Jesus, You sustain our lives each day and we are thankful for Your love, mercy, and grace. Help us to turn to You at the start of this year, in order to confidently bring You our hopes and dreams, ambitions, and goals. Grant us the opportunities, power, and persistence to realize and fulfill them. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a question or make comments about today’s message, please send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s latest Epiphany drawing for church kids called “Epiphany 2015.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: Epiphany.

New Year Devotions: A New Path for a New Year - Ephesians 4:26

Ephesians 4:26b         "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”

At every wedding to which I have the privilege of conducting, I usually quote this verse from Ephesians. I say something like: “Each day do two important things – firstly say “I love you” to one another and secondly, never let the sun go down with anger or bitterness in your hearts because life is too short to hold grudges against each other.” After the wedding service a couple of guests usually come up and complement me on the practical advice that I’ve offered to the newly married couple.

There’s a lot of wisdom in what Paul had to write long ago. I try to practice what I preach, but sometimes I fail and allow grudges to ruin my week with my wife, my children or even my friends. I carry the burden of emotional pain and hold on to my hurt for too long. Instead of letting go of the trivial past, I nurse my troubles and pander to my bruised feelings.

With the coming of a New Year, there is always a golden opportunity to let go of past pain and instead to let God heal my hurts. I can begin again and throw off previous disappointments, broken promises, and harsh words. I can forgive myself and others through Christ, but only if I choose to let Him. I can start the New Year with an act of faith and allow myself and others a clean slate.

If I can do this, then surely you can too?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, at the threshold of this New Year there are many positive possibilities and fresh starts. Help us to embrace Your guidance and goodness, Your love and laughter, Your mercy and grace. Rid us of our anger and disappointment. Heal our hurts and subdue our hostilities. Grant us peace and a new path for a New Year. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s last drawings for the year. It’s called “Star Messiah” and depicts the baby Jesus in the Bethlehem manger. If you would like to view a larger version of this drawing, please visit the following link:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5284738336_e85c5b850f_b.jpg