Was Blind, But Now I See

John 9:1-41 (May 17)

My second son was two months old when I found out he was blind. I still remember the shock, the fear, the question..."WHY?" What did I do wrong?

Many people talked with me, trying to make me understand that I hadn't done anything wrong, but that this was done for a purpose and only God knew what that purpose was.

So much like today's scriptures where Jesus encountered the blind beggar. The disciples wondered about the reasoning. "Rabbi," they asked him, "why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents' sins?"

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "This happened so the power of God could be seen in him."

This blind man was not much of anything important to anyone except his parents. But he was also important to God and would play a major role in one of Jesus' most profound miracles.

So that the power of God could be seen in him...

I can't tell you how deeply I felt the power of God moving through the hundreds that prayed for my baby boy during his surgeries. I saw God show up in ways I never hoped or dreamed he could. And even more importantly, OTHERS saw the way He showed up too. The miraculous healing of my little guy was a testimony to the power of faith and prayer. God used our situation for his good.

Back to the beggar...

Jesus spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva (GROSS!), and spread the mud over the blind man's eyes (GROSSER!). He told him, "Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam." He did this and was able to see!

His neighbors were dumbfounded! Could it really be him? The same man who for so long had no sight? He gladly shared with everyone who asked about who had done this miracle for him.

There was one guy (isn't there always?), who took him to the Pharisees. Another "tattle tale" who wanted to let them know that Jesus was "working" on the Sabbath. (Here we go again!)

So once again, there is the huge debate of who Jesus could really be. What kind of sinner was he that would work on the Sabbath and be able to do all the things he had done?

Twice, they called in the beggar to question him. They wanted him to give God the glory for his healing, not some strange man who was walking about doing crazy things.

But this beggar would only say, "I don't know whether he is a sinner. But I know this: I was blind, and now I see!" This beggar may have been an unnoticed man for most of his life who no one had any high regard for, but he was wise within himself, telling the Pharisees, "He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from? We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. if this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it."

Translation... how DUMB can you guys get???!!!

Jesus, after hearing all this, approached this newly sighted beggar and asked, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

"Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him."

"You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you!"

"Yes, Lord, I believe!" the man said. And he worshipped Jesus.

Once again, the healing, the miracles, the "good stuff" all comes down to one thing...believing! When you have faith the size of a mustard seed....well, you know what they say!

I am so grateful for my faith that carried me through the journey from blindness to sight for my son. I am forever grateful to the many other believers who prayed alongside me with a faith that DID move a mountain.

That same faith has carried me from darkness to light in many other ways throughout my life. It is the same faith that will carry you through your trials.

Jesus is there. He has spit in the dirt and he is ready to wipe your eyes with the mud. He is ready to take you from the darkness to the brightness of hope and joy, if you will trust in Who he is and what he can do.

Will you?