Take Heart

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:46-52

The story of blind Bartimaeus reminds us all to take heart for we are being heard and sought by God. We can despair when pain, loss or illness overwhelm us. Yet Jesus is always telling us to take heart, he is calling us to draw near. I've been thinking about hearts today as I have a beaded cross I love which was made by and given to me by Juday Gau. The cross has a heart within the beading and the letters AK for Alaska. My heart is with all the people of Alaska today, those who are overwhelmed and confused by the political summit being held today. There is disruption and complications across the state, all for a bit of show. There is no drawing closer to Jesus nor hearing his call in this meeting. Noone is seeking peace but control and fame. May we today take our hearts to Jesus, drawing close, staying humble, and seeking healing and reconciliation.

Gracious Creator, source of love and healing

you give us the voice to speak truth to power

the wisdom to know how to care for people

and the heart to seek you in every moment.

Some would rather have celebrity and control

many choose to win while abusing others

we are often far from the presence of Christ

thinking we can rule in the place of him.

Help us to take heart today, Lord Jesus

let us draw close to you for healing and vision

make us humble so we can hear the cries

of those who seek you healing and youe love. Amen.