The Book of John. Chapter Nine.
In this Chapter, Jesus meets a man who had been born blind. And The Disciples, who swallowed the dogma of the day, asked, “Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (v. 2).
But Jesus tell them, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him” (v. 3).
And, of course, within moments Jesus had given sight to the blind man.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that The Disciples were asking the wrong question. ”Why?” is a question that looks back. To the past.
But Jesus teaches us to ask a different question when we are faced with trial and tragedy: “What can we DO?” is a question that look ahead. To the future.
And God did not give us the power to change the past–only to shape the future. And the only way we can shape the future is by acting today.
We can waste our time trying to blame those who are disabled for being different or we can seize the day to bring glory to God by following the example of Christ.
“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty. But you remain guilty because you claim you can see” (v. 41).
Are you blind or guilty?
Very thought-provoking. I’d never thought before about the indifference the disciples were showing by asking “Why?” instead of saying to themselves “Hey, here’s someone who could do with some help, so lets help.”
Had they forgotten the many healings, the loaves and fishes, the walking on water? Did they not ‘get’ that Jesus could give sight to this blind man? But instead of saying, “Lord, would you grant this bloke sight?” they chat about how it must be the blind bloke’s fault. Or his parents.
Blind or guilty? Myself, I want to see, and that’s what I pray for. Seeing will inevitably bring a recognition of guilt, but how can I turn around unless I see, and unless I face the guilt, confess, and ask for forgiveness and help to leave that path and walk with God?
Thanks for a great post Nor!
Simple and yet profound…kind of your way, huh?
I am blind about so many things. I know where to find light. I think I’ll “press in” to Him and learn.
Thanks, Nor.
♥
I am blind to so much in my life. But God is working hard on me, and continues to bring to light area of my life that I need to turn over to him.
Love ya brother, pray that you are resting well.
AnotherLostSheep: Pastor Lisa had once said, “When we claim to have arrived, we have lost our way.” And, more to the point, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” So the more we can’t see, the more DO see.
Michelle: I like being “simple, yet profound.”
And you just keep “pressing in,” Sis!
Carl: Good to hear that you are allowing The Light of the World to light your way, Brother!
This was good and really made me think.
Good stuff. It’s making me think.
Thanks, Annie!
Very thought-provoking post. And I agree with Sis, simple yet SO profound
that’s what I love about your writing.
I think we often get stuck in the “whys” of life too, which like you said, do hold us back from moving forward in God. And I believe we are not meant to know why [My ways are not your ways, neither are my thoughts your thoughts etc]. most of the time and if God does reveal “why” to us, He does so in His own time and because it will bring Him glory, not because we’re begging Him for an answer.
Sometimes I feel like I’m blind and sometimes I feel like I’m guilty, if that makes sense? The goal is to for God to enlighten the eyes of my heart daily but it’s a lifelong process so I continue to lean on Him for understanding and work my way through each day as it comes.
Love you Brotha