Don’t you just hate it when you miss a great opportunity? Maybe you hear about an event too late, circumstances mess up your plans, or you ‘chicken out’.

I love the story of Bartimaeus. As a blind man, he supported himself by begging along a busy road near Jericho. One day, he asked about a growing commotion and learned Jesus was passing by. He must have previously heard about the healing miracles of Jesus because he immediately took action. He didn’t have time to consider his options, check his calendar, or worry about possible unpleasant consequences. He jumped at this opportunity and shouted for Jesus’ attention.

“Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more” (Mark 10:48a). Note Bartimaeus’ persistence. This was a man who believed that Jesus could heal him and he was not about to give up.

I find it interesting that the crowd said, “Jesus of Nazareth” was coming by, but Bartimaeus called Him “Jesus, Son of David,” His Messianic title. This blind man, who had never seen Jesus, had faith that Jesus could heal his blindness because he believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

So, what was Jesus’ response? Jesus stopped and called for the blind man to be brought to Him. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus knew exactly. “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mark 10:51).

“‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52). Bart definitely made the most of his opportunity.

Do we? The apostle Paul warns believers, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Let’s keep our spiritual eyes open and not miss out on opportunities God puts in our path.