People are quick to see and describe others from the negative side. That is why you hardly hear Bartimaeus called without the prefix “blind”. For one thing the man did not remain blind all his life. Yet from another angle there were so many good things about this man. He took the chance that came his way. As soon as he knew that it was Jesus passing by he began to call out for help. The disciples tried to hush him; but that only rekindled his determination. He cried out so loud that Jesus had to stand still. He got his miracle. Why do we prefer calling him blind Bartimaeus, and not Bartimaeus the persistent? Or Bartimaeus the faithful? Think of Thomas as another example. I am not sure anyone else has taken the kind of bashing that this man has continued to receive. He is the butt of preachers’ jokes. We call him doubting Thomas. But it is on record that this man did not remain a doubter. History even has it that he went to India and did great works for His Lord there.

Focus on the good things of others. If you look through the eye of God you will find something to celebrate in every life.

It is the notion of seeing people from the negative side that the passage for today is trying to correct. Elizabeth and her husband had served God faithfully despite the fact that they hadn’t any child yet. God sent His angel to inform the priest while in the course of his duty that his wife would give birth to a son. This miracle was what the angel needed to stir up the faith of a virgin that she would give birth to the Messiah. The angel informed her that Elizabeth was already six months pregnant, even though people “called her barren”. While people called her barren God had a great plan of glory for her and it came to pass. As many as are spiritual should look away from the downside of others. Focus on the good things of others. If you look through the eye of God you will find something to celebrate in every life.