blind!

Blind! The man had been born blind. Imagine.  He had never seen daylight, his own hands, or his parents’ faces.  We can tell from the account in today’s reading of John 9 (in our 21-Day Experiment ) that the man had never even heard of Jesus.  And yet, he would soon experience a dramatic healing encounter with this controversial Rabbi.

When they saw the blind man, Jesus’ disciples asked a probing question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:1-3).  When life hits hard, we sometimes wonder if  our pain is payback for some unknown sin. We’ve agonized in prayer, but for whatever reason, the answers just haven’t come…yet.

Jesus assured His followers that it wasn’t the man or his parents’ sin that caused the blindness.  Rather, it happened, “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”  Jesus healed the man—an astounding miracle that resulted in the demonstration of God’s mighty power to the incredulous onlookers.

Once again, the Pharisees were eager to accuse Jesus. “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.”  They repeatedly interrogated the blind man, intent on coercing him to discredit Jesus.

The man’s short but powerful answer is one of the most eloquent testimonies in Scripture and my watchword for today.  “Whether He is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know.  I was blind, but now I see!” (John 9:25).  His response got him kicked out of the synagogue. But his time of testing became a powerful”testimony.”

Courage compelled the man to take a stand for Jesus, and for truth. It’s a fitting challenge for us as our nation casts its vote today. Friend, maybe you are just a beginner in your faith.  You may not know all there is to know about Jesus.  You may not even know how to answer your critics.  But if you have experienced the saving, healing mercy of Jesus, you know whom you have encountered. You know that you were “blind” but now you “see.”  And you know His Word is true.  Perhaps your time of testing can also become your testimony.

Would you dare to pray now and ask God if there is someone in your life today who is spiritually blind and needs to hear your story? And don’t forget to be alert and watchful so you’ll be ready to speak the truth when your opportunity knocks!