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2ND Time Around: REAL SIGHT!
Rod Shimabukuro34To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. 35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9 NIV
The Pharisee’s accuse the former blind man of being steeped in sin. So how could someone unskilled, with no authority teach those who are “in authority?” Yet God’s point through John is Jesus, giving “second sight” to the blind hearted, by believing the Son of God, Son of Man.
The strong message Jesus sends is there is another authority God is establishing. There is no partiality involving spiritual leadership and with who He calls, raises up and uses - for His purposes. God upsets the norm of the religious leaders, by His unorthodox, uncommon ways. It’s for the purposes of God this man was born blind - right! (V3).
Check out Jesus’ approach!! He doesn’t force His position, authority, power upon the man He healed. He doesn’t tell the man He healed him, for God’s purpose, for the glory of God and now…this is the plan I have for your life. Jesus doesn’t give the man a testimony for the purpose of starting a healing ministry or for the man to now write a book of his experiences…! Jesus asks him a question…Do you believe in the Son of Man? Jesus reveals Himself to the man as Lord (v38 “Lord I believe…”). The head man was now given REAL SIGHT - this 2ND time around!
Eternal sight is to see and believe that Jesus is Lord!
The more I read John, how Jesus interacts with people of all positions, walks of life, cultures… the more I feel like God is saying to me “Relax Rod!” “Let ME work not the hearts of people - you go out and live life for Me.” I don’t need to feel like I need to reach everyone in the whole world. Do I get overwhelmed - feeling like I’m pressuring myself to reach the world for Christ? Yes. But He is working, calling, drawing people to believe… to know and grow in Him, in His time, not mine.
I also don’t want to be like the religious rulers, judging people because of their outward circumstances, social/financial status, etc. I wan tot listen to and love all people, not based on their looks, talent, treasures…but based on the word and work of Jesus. “Be careful Rod - don’t disregard or throw out people’s thoughts, words - because you are ‘more righteous’ than they!” - says the Lord! OH GOD…! Please - please - have mercy on me!
Thank You Jesus - for opening my spiritual eyes, giving me eternal sight, to see and know You! What grace You have to touch me, others in my family, friends - with physical provision, healing, favor - to open our minds and hearts to see You - with REAL SIGHT from within!
