by Susan Bilenkyj (in Costa Calida Chronicle, November 2023)
“Darkness, the truest darkness, is not the absence of light. It is the conviction the light will never return”. (Quote by Lois Lane in her newspaper article at the end of the film “Justice League”.)
We will all go through times of darkness in life; to a point where we can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel. Darkness can be all consuming at times, but how we deal with that darkness is what counts, because it determines how we come through it. Fear and despair can so easily take hold, to a point, where many may feel there is no way out; hope fades and they lose sight of the light, believing the light will never return.
In Mark 10:46-52, the blind man, Bartimaeus, lived in total darkness every day. His world evolved around himself, because he could not see anything else other than his own darkness. He could not see light, or perhaps even a purpose in his life, except his dependence on other people.
However, on hearing that Jesus was nearby, Bartimaeus makes every effort to call out to him. He obviously heard about the miracles that Jesus had done and realised that he had a chance to change his world of darkness to a world of light; only Jesus could make that happen, because only Jesus had the power to turn his life around.
As Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, others tried to silence him, but this made Bartimaeus shout even louder. When Jesus heard him calling, he stopped, called him over, and said “What do you want me to do for you”? “Rabbi”, he said, “I want to see”. Jesus said “Go, for your faith has healed you”. Instantly, Bartimaeus could see.
Bartimaeus’ heart desire was to see. To see beyond the darkness of his own situation and know that there was still hope in the midst of it.
John 8:12 – I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
What do you want Jesus to do for you today? Whatever your darkness is, or however bad things may look, Jesus is the answer. He is able to bring light into your darkness. You need only to believe and call on His name.
Go ahead! Jesus is waiting for your call.