“Then many warned him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10: 48). Jesus had come to Jericho, and as He was leaving, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, sitting by the road heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth and begged to shout, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me! Many people around scolded him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me! Bartimaeus had heard of the works of Jesus, and all he wanted was to have an encounter with Him. Believing that those around would help, he started to shout. However, those close by whom he thought would help get to Jesus began to yell at him to keep quiet. That’s what many of us face sometimes. You have a close friend or relative who is capable of helping you, but anytime you go to them, rather than helping you, they end up discouraging you, and you leave their presence disappointed and frustrated. That’s what we call the Bartimaeus situation. I love what blind Bartimaeus did. Even though he was scolded and yelled at, he still pressed on. That should be your attitude. Nothing should be a discouragement on your progress and elevation. Never give up in the face of opposition or adversity. Keep pressing on, and you shall receive your testimony.
