Lord, have mercy
by Pastor Tim Klein
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Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! (Mark 10:47b)
Read Mark 10:46–52
Today, I had two significant conversations. In the first, I learned of a serious illness in a family. In that same conversation, I heard of the miraculous healing of a daughter. The other person I was speaking with told me about undergoing health tests. Later in the day, I heard of the death of a dearly loved father.
This is real life – it never gives up. It doesn’t only happen to ‘other people’; it’s happening to me, too. My visit to my cardiologist yesterday revealed six months of entrenched atrial fibrillation (despite my pacemaker) – cardioversion ahead. Early today, I underwent an MRI scan of my pituitary gland.
And what about you?
Where do we go when we encounter that sort of news? Who do we go to? What do we ask? What kind of answer are we seeking?
Many of us remain silent: we carry on but keep our unanswered fears deep inside. We mask up – tighten the upper lip and plough on. Others seek solutions, answers and healing. We all have different ways of coping with the unknown future. We might also carry around in us a hope that things will improve – of healing, of someone who will recognise our dilemma and hear our silent cries for help.
I wonder how long blind Bartimaeus carried his disability. Who had he gone to and cried out through the years of darkness? What were his hopes and dreams?
When he heard that it was Jesus headed his way, he cried out: ‘Have mercy on me!’ When Jesus asked him what he wanted, he asked for the obvious: ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’ He had his general need (that cry for mercy), and his specific cry (restore my sight).
And what about you, me and those I spoke with earlier today? My prayer will begin: ‘Lord, have mercy.’
Sometimes, we don’t need to use words that describe our needs. We can trust the Lord already knows: Your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8).
Jesus knew what Bartimaeus needed before he even asked. He healed him. He commended him for his faith. Bartimaeus, on his part, then became a follower of Jesus.
We don’t have to remain silent in our fears and uncertainty for the future. We can call out to God, who already knows our needs, with this marvellous cry: Lord, have mercy!
Dear Father God, in all our distresses, we call out to you: Lord, have mercy. With Bartimaeus and every hurting person, for the brokenness of the world and people around us, we cry out: Lord, have mercy. O Lord, hear our prayers; work your peace for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. He plans to retire on 12 January in 2025. Husband to his wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of more than 10, Tim says he is living in hope. He enjoys gardening (especially his orchard of more than 60 trees, succulents and flowering plants), making music (he loves to sing), beekeeping and taking photos.
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