March 1, 2018

Draw the Outcasts Close

And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” – Mark 10:46-48

There is acceptable. And then there is unacceptable. Ask any lifelong church member. There is an unwritten code of conduct that demands a certain way of worshipping to all who enter.

It has nothing to do with Jesus. The Son of David came to set us free of the constraints of those who demand we be silent. He came to save us. He hears our cries for mercy and salvation. Jesus calls us closer even as others – those self-righteous Christians with all their rules – push us away.

I am blessed to attend a contemporary worship service where coffee and “amens” and hands raised are normal. No one would dare do those things during one of the traditional services. The condemning glances would wither even a strong soul.

This is the church – loving though it is – that years ago told a couple not to bring their special child to services anymore. She was disruptive, they said. She talked when she wasn’t supposed to. She reminded them that not all babies are born healthy and “normal”.

So they pulled away from church, from Jesus, when they needed help the most. They withdrew into a world where their child was accepted, even as that world grew smaller and smaller. No amount of love from others could erase the rejection of those who should have loved with abandoned acceptance.

Then there was the couple who attended another church with their autistic toddler. The condemning comments and stares were like daggers aimed at their hearts. They struggled to entertain him, to prevent outbursts, to fit into the church that had been their home for so long. The weight of it all led them in a futile search for somewhere, anywhere, where they could worship and serve Jesus and not face the condemnation of those who claimed to be His people.

The same scenario plays out in churches everywhere. People are displeased by crying babies and bored kids. They are upset when people cry out to God, actually go to the alter in tears, or when they don’t dress the part. It has nothing to do with Jesus.

Jesus heard Bartimaeus. He called him close. Jesus looked at this blind beggar, so desperate for help, and asked him what he wanted. Jesus could easily have ignored Bartimaeus. He could have overlooked the beggar as others rebuked Bartimaeus and told him to be silent. Instead, Jesus beckoned him to come. Just like Jesus beckons us to come near.

And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. – Mark 10:51-52

Jesus healed much more than Bartimaeus’ eyesight. He healed this beggar’s heart. He drew toward Him someone others had cast aside. Who are you pointing a finger at? Who grates on your nerves as you worship Jesus? Beckon them close. Embrace them. Be Jesus to those who need to feel loved and accepted by their church family.