Christian Blogs, Discipleship Encouragement and Correction
With Respect to Mr. B
The other day I wrote of the marital union between Jesus and a believer’s faith. In the bridal chamber, Jesus and faith meet alone; which reformers refer to as ‘sola fide’ or justification by faith alone.
In Mark 10:46-52, we are given a wonderful story of the effectual nature of faith that a blind man, Bartimaeus, placed in Jesus. Let’s call him Mr. B. While Jesus told him that his faith had made him well, it is obvious that Jesus was the object of the man’s faith. Christ had the power and authority as God to heal the man. Certainly, when I say ‘sola fide’ it is not faith alone and alone. Nonetheless, it was ‘sola fide’ that brought closure of our Lord’s relationship with Mr. B and his healing. This is true also of the certainty that we can have in our salvation.
However, there was more to this story that we can glean with regard to what follows a fully consummated marriage. I find very interesting what Jesus said to Mr. B when He healed him: “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” But, then I wondered, what was Mr. B’s way? To return to the wayside; pick up the garment that he cast aside and resume begging for alms? Would he continue to cry out for healing? Why? Why would he do that? He had his sight! I don’t know how many times, week after week after week, we see the same people rush to the front of the church and cry out for salvation. Why? With true faith; ‘sola fide,’ it’s about picking up the matt and returning home to do the will of God. Thank God that our friends may have lowered us once into the chamber through the ceiling, but is that to say that we must return there after we’ve been healed?
No, with respect to Mr. B, after receiving his sight, he followed Jesus on the road. Mr. B’s way was Christ’s way. That’s the way it should be for us after leaving the bridal chamber. This is when our works are shown; in our travels. Still, many do go off; after running to Christ to find temporary relief but later go their own way. How does that happen? They weren’t drawn into the bridal chamber ‘sola fide’ with a sincere and deep conviction and sorrow for their sins. They went with pre-nuptials. It was as if blind, they cried out for something else; maybe the relief of a canker. Perhaps; just perhaps, they liked the idea of sitting around and taking of alms; maybe they enjoyed the self pity and attention they received. God knows the endless list of the pre-nuptials that men carry into the chamber. The one thing I can say about Mr. B. is, he didn’t want to remain blind. Neither did I. How about you?
