TAKE OFF THE COAT WEEK 6, 2010

“Bartimaeus was a real hero! Just see how he insisted when people were discouraging him and got his victory”. Yes he was a determined man, God expects us to pray in faith until the answer manifests: Jesus told His disciples a parable about their need to pray all the time and never give up Lk 18:1(ISV). But there is more to his story than the people around him. He had another challenge.
“What type of challenge? Is it that he couldn’t see his way to Jesus...?” That’s not what I have in mind; those people were external challenges, he had an inner challenge too: his coat. The blind man threw off his coat, jumped up, and went to Jesus Mk 10:50(GW). “I get it; the coat was a weight on him eh?” We-e-ell; do you realise in those days beggars have clothes that identify them? It’s a bit like a uniform. Once you see it on the man you know he is a beggar. Because he knew Jesus was calling him he removed the coat of beggars. He knew he was going to be healed and beg no more! “Wow, he really believed Jesus would heal him”. Yes, and demonstrated it kia, kia. Paul demonstrated faith by requesting a room to be kept ready for him while he was yet in prison: Meanwhile, prepare a guest room for me, too, for I am hoping through your prayers to be returned to you Philemon 1:22(ISV). When we believe God we demonstrate it by taking off the old coat. “I know some things to demonstrate my faith too...”
Hold on a second hotshot. Bartimaeus put on a new coat when he came to Jesus in faith; and so must we. “Which one? I never read that one o.” Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not obey your flesh and its desires Rom 13:14(ISV). Clothes also represent attitudes, lifestyles, and actions. You have faith in Jesus to heal you: good. Remember also to put on the coat of righteousness.
“I know we should put on new attitudes, but how was that shown in Bartimaeus?” Certainly when he began to follow Jesus down the road rather than going away it was not just the physical road, but it represents the road of discipleship. There are some who choose to go their own way after receiving from God; not so with this man. Jesus told him, "Go. Your faith has made you well." At once the man could see again, and he began to follow Jesus down the road Mk 10:52(ISV). As you receive from Jesus today rejoice, and walk closely with Him.
Do you have a coat to take off or put on?