The ideas and instructions laid out here are given for our good, so that we’d be rooted in Christ and built up in his truth.
But here’s what Bartimaeus was good at. He knew how to beg for mercy. And he knew who to beg from.
Our king came down to serve his peasants. The master of heaven came to give us the most precious thing he had. He came to give us himself – to give up his dying breath, so that we could be filled with His Spirit of life.
With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.
Not only does God support his people with a lifetime warranty. But he tells us that his faithfulness is forever. His faithfulness to those who trust him – it continues beyond our earthly lifetimes.
God’s justice should drive us to be really humble and honest about our moral failings.
Since the day of God’s judgment is coming, devotion to God will be worth it.
They are not forgiven only—not only have their infinite sins been blotted out, but they are made righteous. They are not only made innocent, as if they had done no sin, but righteous, as if they had fulfilled all righteousness. All that Christ did and suffered is counted theirs.
The way God is, should shape who we’re becoming.
'Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.'