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?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. John 9:1-3
Take a Moment to Ponder
God sees us, not to pass judgment, but as ones through whom God’s activity in the world can be revealed. God believes in us. Do we trust God’s judgement?
Jesus encountered a man born blind. He was locked out of the social and religious community, unable to fully help himself, dependent on others. Perhaps we would say he was unimportant – but for God, the man was a vital part of the story of the reconciliation of the world.
He represents all who need to have their ‘eyes’ opened by Jesus. Those who may have chosen their own path and are headed in the wrong direction. Those who never think that they are good enough. Those who need to have a personal encounter with Jesus and come to faith. He represents us.
When Jesus used dirt and his saliva to make mud and placed it on the man’s eyes and gave him instructions to go and wash, the man had a choice. He could have stayed where he was in his blindness (possibly angry that Jesus had dirtied him up and was now making demands of him), or he could trust Jesus and believe that what he had done and what he was instructing him to do would bring about restoration.
The man chose to believe in Jesus. He acted. Through him God worked to show us what it means to be made whole by Christ. He was vital for God’s plan of salvation, and so are we.
As we continue to discern where and how God desires to use us, may we prayerfully place ourselves in God’s hands in total trust, as we follow him.
Take Action
The season of Bible studies have no doubt stirred us up to rethink our actions and our relationships with each other, but as these come to an end, what is next for us? How has God been calling us to be channels to show God’s grace, mercy and love in our communities?
Can we become an encouraging presence to help those who are struggling to identify God’s call on their lives?
What act of trust is God calling us to do today?
A Moment in Prayer
God who journeys with us, we give thanks for your presence in our lives and our world. Enable us we pray, to place our trust in you as we follow the path you have laid out for us. Amen.
Contributed by: Rev. Natalie Blake
