The Opportunities Around You

“Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.’ Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.”  Mark 10:46-52

There is an old story of a wealthy man who had a fine estate in the country but every day would travel many miles to the city to work. Friends and family were never informed as to the nature of this man’s career, but since he was seemingly successful, no one really questioned his occupation.

Then one day it was discovered that instead of having a prestigious position in some large corporation, he was actually playing the part of a blind street beggar. He knew the “tricks of that trade” so well and hid behind various disguises which caused passersby to pity him and give him money. All is not as it seems.

How many of those who you pass or work among each day are really wearing a disguise? Laughter hides their silent cries. Bright, new clothes disguise a spirit in the depths of depression. A lonely and insecure person hides behind a coarse joke or vulgar story. An “I don’t care” attitude veils a heart aching from disappointment and abuse.

Ask the Lord to help you take off your disguise. Then as His open and transparent ambassador, seek to help those around you. Their darkness and blindness, their hurts, shame, guilt, and diseases can be healed and made right when Christ’s love removes the need to hide behind the disguise.

What you are speaks so loud that the world can’t hear what you say.