March 18, 2013

John 9:1-2
As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

When we read the story in John 9:1-17, and take its contents literally, we are faced with many questions.  Was the man born blind because of the sins of his father?  Did Jesus purposely heal the man on the Sabbath to prove a point?  Were the Pharisees jealous of the attention Jesus was getting, or were they motivated by fear?

As Christians, we know the answers.  No, this man was not born blind as a punishment for sin, but he was healed as a blessing from the Lord.  We also know that God heals the suffering when He so chooses, regardless of the day.  And, moreover, the Pharisees were legalistic and were, in fact, furious that Jesus would challenge their laws.  All that happened was in God's plan as it moved toward the ultimate sacrifice.

But, what if we looked at this story as an abstract message?  How many of us are blind to our surroundings on a daily basis and miss the many miracles right in front of us?  Doesn't God want us to rely on Him?  Don't we find ourselves sometimes wearing blinders and avoiding or blatantly disregarding what God has in mind for us? Are we being narrow in our focus?  Are we blind to the needs of those around us?  When we are blind, we are also disobedient to God's will for us.  We are, in fact, turning our backs on our faith.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Are you stressed, tired, unhappy with your surroundings, and wishing you were someone or somewhere else?  Are you being obedient to the will of God?

God made us beautiful, inside and out.  We each have amazing gifts to share.  It is our responsibility to use those gifts as God intended.  Share God's love with the world (that includes your family).  Love the children.  Feed the hungry.  Clothe the naked.  House the homeless.  Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40)

Not sure how?  Start and end each day with prayer.  Rise in the morning simply thanking God for another day to be used by Him.  End your day with gratefulness that He walked with you during the day.  Read your Bible.  Attend church with your fellow Christian brothers and sisters.  Love the Lord with all your heart, your strength, your might.

Don't be like the blind man.  He had no choice but to accept his surroundings and wait for the Messiah.  We know better.  Our Messiah has come, He has died for us on the cross, and HE IS RISEN!

Glory to God in the Highest!  Amen.

~Robin Harris

Nursery Director

Readings

Jeremiah 24:1-10

Psalms 31 or 35

Romans 9:19-33

John 9:1-17