From the Pastor’s Pen
March 2, 2026
This past Sunday we continued our Lenten journey on the Road to Redemption and found ourselves in Jericho with blind Bartimaeus.
Mark’s Gospel moves fast. Immediately this. Straightway that. Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem. On His way to suffering. On His way to the Cross.
Yet on His way to Calvary, He pauses for a cry.
That alone blesses me.
The Old Testament Jericho needed a shout to bring walls down. The New Testament Jericho needed a shout to lift a man up. In Joshua, the people shouted and walls fell. In Mark, one blind man shouted and Jesus stood still.
The shout made the difference.
Bartimaeus could not see Jesus, but he recognized Him. He cried out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd tried to silence him, but desperation overpowered distraction. When you know you need mercy, you cannot afford to be muted.
The Bible says Jesus stood still.
On His way to die for the world, He stopped for one man.
That is the beauty of the Gospel. Jesus is not too busy saving the world to stop for your struggle. He pauses for the broken. He responds to persistent faith. He still stands still when mercy is requested.
And the man who started the day blind ended the day following.
That is redemption.
As we continue this Lenten season, do not let the crowd quiet your cry. Do not let shame silence your shout. Some breakthroughs still require bold faith. Some Jerichos still fall when you cry out.
Stay on the Road to Redemption.
Lenten Devotional Readings
Week of March 3-8
Monday – Cry Out Anyway
Reading: Mark 10:46–47
Even if you cannot see clearly, cry out in faith. Jesus responds to desperate mercy seekers.
Tuesday – Don’t Let the Crowd Silence You
Reading: Mark 10:48
When others say hush, cry louder. Your breakthrough may be on the other side of persistence.
Wednesday – When Jesus Stands Still
Reading: Mark 10:49
Your faith can stop the Savior in His tracks. Trust that He hears you.
Thursday – Be Specific in Prayer
Reading: Mark 10:51
What do you want Jesus to do? Faith speaks clearly and expects confidently.
Friday – Faith Makes Whole
Reading: Mark 10:52
Healing is more than relief. It is restoration and redirection. Follow Him on the way.
Saturday – From Roadside to Redeemed
Reading: Psalm 34:17
The Lord hears the cry of the righteous and delivers them from trouble.
Sunday Preparation – Mercy on the Move
Reading: Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured the Cross for our redemption. Keep your eyes on Him.
