Monday Reading Bartimeus
Romans 15:25-33
Now, however, I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the holy ones. For Macedonia and Achaia have decided to make some contribution for the poor among the holy ones in Jerusalem; they decided to do it, and in fact they are indebted to them, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to serve them in material blessings. So when I have completed this and safely handed over this contribution to them, I shall set out by way of you to Spain; and I know that in coming to you I shall come in the fullness of Christ’s blessing. I urge you, (brothers,) by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in the struggle by your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the disobedient in Judea, and that my ministry for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the holy ones, so that I may come to you with joy by the will of God and be refreshed together with you. The God of peace be with all of you. Amen. Praise be to God always.
John 7:32-36
The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring about him to this effect, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent guards to arrest him. So Jesus said, “I will be with you only a little while longer, and then I will go to the one who sent me. You will look for me but not find (me), and where I am you cannot come.” So the Jews said to one another, “Where is he going that we will not find him? Surely he is not going to the dispersion among the Greeks to teach the Greeks, is he? What is the meaning of his saying, ‘You will look for me and not find (me), and where I am you cannot come’?” This is the Truth. Peace be with you.
Jesus is prophesying his death and resurrection/ascension. His going to the Father, firstly, through obedience and, secondly, by ascending to His Father. Jesus is also warning all people, that time is of the essence in choosing him and saying yes to him. It is not enough to mumble and wonder and gossip about him. He is here now for us to accept, and we who have the benefit of the fulfillment of his prophecies should accept the signs and miracles He proclaimed and listen to His words by accepting Him as Messiah, Lord, and God.