News of any sort of biblical healing today will leave skeptics wondering, “that can’t be true, can it?” In the past, many who have claimed to be the healee only experience temporary healing, with the conditions, illness or symptoms returning sometime after their miraculous encounter. However, in recent years an outbreak of testimonies are coming in from all over the world from the healer and the healee.
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. Mark 10:46.
In the days of Jesus, a particular individual sets the scene for a special day. Unable to see, Bartimaeus appears to have relied on pity to make a living, similar to those who stand at crowded intersections asking for money. Yet, when news of Jesus’ arrival came, he refused to stay in his hapless state. Yelling out despite the naysayers, Bartimaeus’ cries touched Jesus’ heart. A desperate man filled with an unswerving faith opened the door for permanent healing.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see,” Mark 10:51.
In my own circumstances, I often doubt that God can transform my situation. Thus, instead of experiencing healing, I tend to become the complainer or complainee. If only I possessed the faith of Bartimaeus, things would be different. However, as for now, I’m grasping for the resurrection power made available by the Holy Spirit. Though the apostle Paul teaches not everyone will be healed, 2 Corinthians 12:7-12, I’m waiting for the day I meet the healer and experience permanent healing.
by Jay Mankus