The Difference I

Mark 10:47-48 “When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (emphasis added).

God’s heart consists of two attributes – His character (who He is) and His covenant (how He deals). Yesterday, we learnt that when Bartimaeus shouted, he struck Jesus’ heart. With just one statement, Bartimaeus struck upon God’s covenant and God’s character. When you shout, what are you saying? There is just so much to learn from the man Bartimaeus. Take note that the Bible says, “…Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby…” (emphasis added). No one told him it was Jesus, the Son of David that was passing. But when he called, he was deliberate. What Bartimaeus was saying is, I believe that You are the Messiah.

Bartimaeus did not say, Jesus of Nazareth, even though that would have been proper, that would have been appropriate. He said Jesus, Son of David. What is the significance of that statement? Bartimaeus was invoking God’s covenant with His people. There is a big difference between a promise and a covenant. Someone can make a promise to you, but a covenant must be with two people. When it comes to God, a promise is hugely different from a covenant. Many Christians use both interchangeably, but they are different. You must know the difference for you to be all that God has called you to be. The promises of God, for instance, are conditional, and they are conditional from generation to generation to generation. If you do this, you get this. That is how God is, it is not an Old Testament thing. Ask Abel, he will tell you. Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, they all existed before the law.

The promises of God can be broken. God can change His mind on His promise, and He does. God can promise something and change His mind about doing it. Really, no one can question Him or arrest Him. I can give you several instances in the Bible. God promised Saul that he will have a son on the throne. But Saul misbehaved and God said, I repent myself of this promise. I am not going to do it again. God said Samson would be Nazarene unto Him till the day he dies. God did not say Samson would grind corn with his eyes plucked out. God said to Eli, I wanted to make you a priest and your children after you, but I change my mind. 

Prayer (hymn): Thou the spring of all my comfort, more than life to me. Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in Heav’n but Thee? Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry. While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by. Amen!