Have you ever been the subject of someone talking about you behind your back? Worse, have you ever been the one talking about someone else behind their back? I hardly think anyone is exempt from either of those questions. In fact, the topics about another span the universe and unfortunately we only find out about the negative things. Truth is, nobody really likes to find out they’ve been “talked about” behind their back.
I recently encountered a moment very similar. But my reaction was very different than most I think. I found out someone was talking about me behind my back and it literally took my breath away. I never ever thought this person would say such things about me so when I found out I could do nothing but sit there in tears. Why was I taken so off-guard, you may wonder? Well, it wasn’t the first time. This particular revelation was actually the sixth time it was brought to my attention. It was getting a bit ridiculous . . . or was it?
What do you really say when you find out God is talking to others about you behind your back? What do you really say? I sat in awe and wept.
When, for the sixth time, some random person comes up to you and says, “God just told me to come over and introduce myself because you needed someone to pray with,” you open your ears to their words. The prayers, the conversations, the revelation of God in those moments and the realization that God Himself was having a conversation with others about you will change your perspective!
Then I read about the blind guy, Bartimaeus. It was brief, but it was direct . . . Jesus spoke to others about Bartimaeus in much the same way as he has spoken to others about me. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” Jesus said this to those with him (likely his disciples). And with that charge, they called Bartimaeus from the roadside where he sat yelling for mercy — something Jesus could have surely done Himself. Bartimaeus was on the mind of Jesus and Jesus spoke to others to get his attention. (Mark 10:46-52)
I’m wondering now how many times I’ve missed the call from Jesus as He is trying to talk to me about someone behind their back.
Lord Jesus, I simply am awestruck at your thoughts of me. When your thoughts of me reach me, they overwhelm me. Thank you for calling out to your disciples for Bartimaeus. I’m so thankful for their obedience in hearing your voice. Thank you for calling out to others for me! And, for what it is worth, I’m glad you talk about me behind my back!
by Mark Cruver