October 27, 2024 | "Having Hope To See" | Asbury-St. James UMC, Charleston, SC

Pastor Tim Shaw’s sermon at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church in downtown Charleston today focused on the theme of hope, using the story of Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cried out to Jesus as He passed by, asking for mercy and healing. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persisted, and Jesus stopped, healed him, and restored his sight. This story offers a powerful reminder about the nature of hope and faith, something that resonates with many of us today.
In today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel like life is spiraling out of control. Maybe you're feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, or relationships that seem broken, or maybe it's the endless news cycles of wars, disasters, and economic uncertainty. Pastor Tim reminded us that, like Bartimaeus, we all have moments when we feel lost or unseen, yet the lesson is clear: hope is not passive. Hope demands persistence, even when we feel ignored or when the world tells us to be quiet.
One of the most powerful moments in the sermon was when Pastor Tim pointed out that Bartimaeus threw off his coat when Jesus called him. To a beggar in those days, a coat was one of the few possessions that offered protection and comfort, yet Bartimaeus abandoned it immediately. Pastor Tim explained that this act of throwing off the coat symbolized Bartimaeus’ faith. He believed that when Jesus called him, he wouldn’t need that old coat anymore because something better was coming. This leads to a vital question: What “coat” are you holding onto? What security, fear, or doubt is keeping you from fully stepping into faith and trusting that something better is coming?
Bartimaeus’ faith is relatable in today’s world. We’re often afraid to take risks or let go of things that are familiar, even if they’re holding us back. Whether it’s a toxic job, a relationship, or even our own self-doubt, Pastor Tim encouraged us to let go and trust that there is hope for something better. Hope isn’t about everything being perfect. It’s about believing that better is possible, even when we can’t see it.
In a world where many people feel disconnected or skeptical about traditional faith, Bartimaeus’ story is a reminder that Jesus meets us in our need. Pastor Tim emphasized that hope isn’t some vague or distant concept. It’s real, and it shows up in the everyday moments of our lives, just like it did for Bartimaeus. Pastor Tim shared examples of people in the congregation who live with hope-like Charlie, who works two jobs but does so joyfully, or a congregant who delivers pizzas and receives not just tips, but blessings, because he approaches life with a hopeful heart.
Pastor Tim also shared an acronym for hope that really hit home. In the natural world, “hope” can stand for Happiness, Opportunities, Prosperity, and Everything. But in a theological sense, he redefined it as Holding On to Promises Eternal. Bartimaeus held onto the promise that Jesus could heal him, and he didn’t give up. Likewise, we are called to hold onto the promises of God, even when life feels uncertain.
In closing, Pastor Tim challenged us to be like Bartimaeus-consistent, persistent, and full of faith. Bartimaeus didn’t just wait for things to change. He called out to Jesus, and when Jesus responded, Bartimaeus was ready to act. Pastor Tim reminded us that the world might feel chaotic, with wars, economic struggles, and personal challenges, but God remains constant. Our hope isn’t in the things we see, but in the promises of God that guide us through the unknown.
So, how does this apply to our lives today? Like Bartimaeus, we need to hold onto hope. Whether we’re hoping for healing, peace in our relationships, or clarity in our personal lives, hope is about trusting that God is with us in our struggles. It’s about believing that better is on the horizon, even when it doesn’t feel that way right now.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from church or unsure if faith can fit into your modern life, consider this your personal invitation. Pastor Tim’s message speaks to the real struggles we face every day and offers a practical way to find hope and healing. Whether you’ve been away from church for a while or have never felt like it was for you, there’s a place for you at Asbury-St. James. We’re a community that’s here for each other, and we’d love for you to join us next Sunday at 11:15 AM, in person or online.
Don’t miss out-come experience what hope looks like in a world that needs it more than ever.