GOD NEVER CHANGES

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

The Gospel story of “Blind Bartimaeus” holds several lessons for social justice agencies (NGOs, churches, faith-based organisations) in the way we approach and do our work. The story joins Jesus coming from Jordan and passing through the city of Jericho with his disciples on their way to Jerusalem. On the way, they meet a man blind from birth called Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:49-52 “Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.”

From this passage, we can draw six applicable points for what we do in everyday life.

1. Listening to the cries for help As society, we are called to respond to cries for help that come in a myriad of voices: from the poor, marginalised, victims of abuse, people crying for a better life. We also respond to the cries of human rights defenders and justice activists.

2. Oppressed by systematic fears The very people that tried to silence Bartimaeus are the ones who have a change of heart and encourage him to approach the Rabbi. What happened? The more the people silenced him, the more Bartimaeus shouted out. All around the world we see poor, marginalised and oppressed people working hard for change. When they see possibilities for hope and transformation in the symbols of social justice organisations, they speak up and “shout” for the help they need seeing new possibility. Jesus action of reaching out to blind Bartimaeus was also an act of reaching out to the people on the margins of inaction, fear, and cynicism.

3. Partnership and advocacy for change When Bartimaeus comes into Jesus’ presence, Jesus sees him for who he really is. Although the travelling party is passing through, Jesus stops, makes time, and brings Bartimaeus into his compassionate gaze. He is not just a number, a social action project, a deliverable or a picture in the annual report. He is witnessed by Jesus in his fullness as a human being. This is the gift of social justice work that sees people more than project statistics accounted for in donor reports. Jesus sees Bartimaeus.

Advocacy goes beyond compassionate acts of service delivery that meet immediate need, giving much needed aid, building infrastructure, and providing essential services. Advocacy addresses systemic issues getting to the root causes of injustice and oppression. When the root is cut off – evil can bear no fruit.

Jesus taught us that both the acts of compassion and mercy as well as social activist capacity building and empowerment are necessary for sustainable justice impact. May His Kingdom come.