Cloak off !

When Jesus called Bartimaeus, it is interesting to note that the gospel according to Mark included the 'trivial' detail of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak, as he ran to meet the Lord. So what is the significance of this detail. I believe it stands for:

a. Comfort: The cloak kept him warm amd comfortable in that climate. We should be ready to sacrifice our comforts to heed the call of Jesus, be it to be in His presence, to be about His business, to study His word etc.

b. Identity: I conjecture that being a poor beggar, Bartimaeus had just a single cloak, which the community had come to identify Him with. Regardless of the tag the society has placed on us, be it posotive or negative, we must not allow it to prevent us from experiencing the Lord, for He is much greater than these tags.

We need Jesus. Let's not allow anything or anyone from hindering us from experiencing Him more.

Psalm 139

Hi, I read this today and wanted to share with you:

Imagine that it’s your birthday, and God prepares a magnificent dinner party in your honor. All your family and friends are in atten­dance, and everyone is enjoying themselves immensely. Just before the food comes out, God steps up to the microphone and asks every­one to settle down. Then, clearing his throat, he looks right at you and says:

“Do you know that the very thought of you fills me with joy? From the moment of your concep­tion, I put a lot of thought into who you were going to be: the shape of your eyes, the tone of your voice, your personality, your talents, and your dreams. I could never keep my eyes off of you, even when you couldn’t see me. I wept when you wept, and I took great pride in every one of your successes and triumphs. All these years, I have loved you and treasured you. 

“That’s right. I’ve been with you all along. I know every inti­mate detail about you. Not a single moment of your life passed with­out my seeing it and feeling it in the depth of my heart. None of your thoughts, fears, or desires has escaped me—the good, the noble, and the selfless as well as the bad, the selfish, and the prideful. And I have loved you through all of them. I was near to you when you were confused and brokenhearted. It was I who offered you the counsel and comfort of your friends and fam­ily. It was I who looked out at you through the eyes of everyone who has ever loved you. 

“I see goodness and beauty within you, even when you don’t see it within yourself. In fact, I look at you with the same wonder and awe that you have when you look up at the stars in the sky at night. I may have created you, but I mar­vel at the way you are using all the gifts I have given you. I marvel even more at the future I have in store for you. I can’t wait for the day when you are able to join me in my heav­enly home.

“Happy birthday, my child. May this be a year when you and I grow even closer together!” 

Taken from: wau.org