Showing forth his praises

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim (show forth) the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” – 1 Pet. 2:9

Introduction

Every born again child of God is a debtor to grace and to God’s manifold blessings. At salvation, God lavished favours on us. He brought us up from the miry clay and cleansed us up and decorated our lives with His glory. All that He had in mind for Israel when He adopted them as His people now belongs to His church – see Deut. 7:6-8.

God’s intention in all of this is for our lives to be His message to the world, for us to proclaim His praises. He said it, when He shared with us the principles of His Kingdom. Let your light so shine before men that the may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven – Matt. 5:16.

The story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52, to me is an ever green. We have much to learn from it. Jesus was going out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude. A beggar whose name was unknown sat by the road begging, he could only be identified through his father  Timaeus for that was the descriptive identity given him – Bartimaeus. (son of Timaeus). He heard unusual footsteps passing along where he was begging. On enquiry, he was told Jesus of Nazareth was passing. Though he was told Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he did not address Him by that common title, he addressed Him as “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”. By addressing Jesus as Son of David, he identified himself with Christ’s royalty.

Many warned him to be quiet but he rejected that warning and instead cried out the more. Then Jesus stood still, Amazing!  Atimes, the way we address people can determine the response we receive when we are in need. Of-course, when Jesus stood still, the entire crowd would also stand still.  Jesus ordered for Bartimaeus to be brought to Him.  On hearing that Jesus was calling him, Bartimaeus threw away his begging garment, for he believed strongly that he would no longer have need of it. That was a display of great faith. “What do you want Me to do for you?”  Jesus asked him. “Rabbi, I want to see”, he replied. “Go your way, your faith has healed you,” Jesus told him. Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.  Immediately he received his sight, Bartmaeus started following Jesus on the way. What is the implication of this?  As many as had known him in his blind state would see him in his transformed state and give God praise.

Conclusion

“If you know these things, happy are you if you do them – Matt. 13:17, Jesus admonished. As Jesus healed Bartimaeus, He called him out of double darkness (spiritual and physical darkness) and Bartimaeus reciprocated by following Jesus on the way to show forth His praise. In what way are you showing forth His praise? You can determine from now on to show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

As a child of God, your life must constantly reflect the glory and praise of God. We are Christ’s ambassadors here on earth and who should truly reflect the glory of King Jesus. We have the responsibility to bring unsaved people to the knowledge of Christ so that they can be partakers of the glorious package of salvation available in Christ Jesus. For all that God has done for us and for all that God has promised us to enjoy in the future life, we should reciprocate by showing forth His praise.

A Call to take a Decision

Beloved, have you entered into personal relationship with Jesus Christ by accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour? If you have not, you need to do so without delay. Inviting and accepting Jesus Christ into your life is the beginning of a glorious and eternally rewarding relationship with God, your Creator. It is a decision you can never regret as you walk with Him faithfully and consistently for the rest of your life. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today by acknowledging that you are a sinner. God sent Jesus Christ to die for you and as you confess your sins to Him, He will forgive you so that you will not have to be punished for the same. Ask Jesus Christ to cleanse our with His precious blood, deliver you from sin and Satan and empower you by the Holy Spirit to henceforth live above sin and live totally for God from now on. You can write and share your testimony via [email protected]