When Would Being Blind Be A Miracle Of Grace?
Jesus and his disciples had just escaped being stoned as we ended chapter 8. Immediately, we see in chapter 9 that “as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from birth” (John 9:1). Jesus was passing by as he was avoiding being stoned to death. He had come to die; but, it was not suppose to be that day and it wasn’t going to be by stoning. His time ” had not yet come.”He had not retreated in fear. He had retreated because it was time to retreat. Besides, He had an appointment with a blind man. He had not gone very far; because throughout chapter 9 we see the discussion with the Pharisees who had wanted to stone Him once more. Jesus stops when He comes upon the blind man. That is great news!! He comes to us in our blindness to reach out and give us sight; with disregard for His own comfort. He is willing to find us where ever we are–He seeks us to offer sight.!!
The chapter unfolds and moves from a discussion of human blindness to spiritual blindness as we will see. Yet before we move to that let’s pause for a moment at the response of the disciples. “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:2-5). The tragedies, the illness, the losses and the trials of this life do not always enter our lives as “punishment for our sins.” The punishment for our sins was carried by Jesus on the Cross. Indeed, until we accept that atonement for our sins; we are like this blind man. We are unable to see the light of the gospel. Unless we recognize our need of a Savior, our self-exalting hearts would be content in our own accomplishments and counterfeit happiness. We would not recognize the wondrous joy, hope, love and Glory that we are missing out on. Would I ever seek God’s truth in a world of blissful beauty? Would I
grow content with all that is counterfeit joy and never seek the real joy of knowing God intimately as my Father were I to have never seen sorrow? Our suffering often is the catalyst that squeezes our hearts just enough that we seek God. If I were living in a dimly lit cave and had never seen the brilliance of the sun, I might be content with the dim light. Yet, if an earthquake broke open a slit so that the sunlight shone in with all its brilliance; I would never be content again with dim light. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
FROM SEEING TO BELIEVING
As John chapter 9 unfolds, Jesus healed the blind man. At first, the man is amazed that he can see; yet, is not fully aware that Jesus is the Savior. As, he goes about telling others; the skeptics and the Pharisees begin to question the miracle. Indeed at one point the Pharisees suggest that “Jesus was a devil.” After all, Jesus had healed this man on the Sabbath. To that the man who had been blind replied, “33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9). The Pharisees mocked him with their reply, “how dare you a sinner tell us the scripture.” Then they cast him out of the synagogue. Once more, Jesus came to find him. “Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him” (John 9:35-38). Now, the man’s spiritual eyes were opened as well.
What began as tragic beginning for this blind man became the very thing that lead this man to Christ as His Savior. At the same token, all those Pharisees who had been born with sight remained spiritually blinded to the truth. They thought they could see and yet, they could not see the Savior who was standing before them. When we look around us at the tragedies and sorrows that are a part of this world. Our hearts cry out when we hear of such tragedies as the “Twin towers”, the mass shootings, or the natural disasters. We see all around us the brokenness of a fallen world. We look within and ache at the brokenness within our own hearts. We want to know, “Is God still in Control?” “Why would He allow such devastation to occur?” Then we read this story and realize, “The time is not yet come.” There is one more blind man that God is reaching out His hand to save. He, in the midst of the sorrow within this broken world is patiently moving toward one more encounter that someone will come to know an eternity of Glory in His presence. Oh, and within the lives of those of us who are His children, why does He allow the sorrow? God knows exactly what my heart needs so that I can fully know and rejoice in Him. [bctt tweet=” God allows the sorrows of this broken world to enter my life, that I might seek solace in Him”] [bctt tweet=”There, in His presence, I can find greater joy than I could have ever known before. “]
What sorrow, suffering or pain are you facing today? Take it to Jesus who is the only one who can make the blind to see the truth of the gospel. He can guide your heart to a place of comfort, hope and joy.
Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle–Light of the World
Have you ever faced a tragedy that God turned to something beautiful in your life? I would love for you to share your story or comments. Click here.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. Feel free to email me at Artedabarba@gmail.com or purchase his art at http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.