“He answered and said, ‘Whether He be a sinner or not, I know not; one thing I know—that, whereas I was blind, now I see’.â€
John 9:25
When we know what He’s done in our lives, it doesn’t matter what others think, say or do.
Born blind, the one healed in today’s Manna became a bold believer and cared naught for political correctness or the consequences of his bold believing. He simply knew he’d been blind all of his life and now he could see. Glory!!
Although the evil Pharisees tried to intimidate him through theological ploys and sarcastic remarks, the newly-seeing believer wouldn’t be deterred; in fact, he even went on the offensive and said “I’ve already told you Who opened my eyes and how He went about it. Why do you want me to tell you again. Will you also become one of His disciples?!?†(v.27).
No wonder they “reviled him†and accused him of departing from Moses’ Law (v.28). And, when they tried to discredit Jesus and what He’d done, the formerly blind man began preaching a mighty message to them: “Why, herein is a marvelous thing, that you know not from whence He is and yet He has opened my eyes. Now, we know that God doesn’t hear sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and does His Will, him he hears. . .If this Man were not of God, He could do nothing†(vv.30-33).
Should we be surprised that this so irked the proud Pharisees that they rebuked him and threw him out of the room (v.34)? No, we shouldn’t be surprised; such is always the case when darkness meets with Light (Jn. 3:17-21). But, do not fear when such things happen—for the One Who saved you will always come to you in your hour of need and sustain you by His sufficient Grace (Jn. 9:35-41). Hallelujah!!
Oh, dear Pilgrim, if the Lord has truly saved you and changed you, you cannot be silent anymore. Even if your own flesh-and-blood refuses to stand with you (vv.18-22), be like the one who was healed that day and continue standing firm in your convictions. Do not engage in theological debates and “profane and vain babblings that only increase unto more ungodliness†(II Tim. 2:16). Instead, boldly declare “This is my Story, this is my Song, Praising my Savior all the day long.â€
How wonderful to read how Jesus came to the man when He heard how he’d been cast out by the Pharisees (v.35). And, in that most beautiful, intimate encounter between the two. . .Jesus further fleshed out what had happened that day. . .and opened his spiritual eyes as to Who He was/is (vv.36-37). Is it any wonder he said “Lord, I believe†and then fell down and worshipped Him (v.38)?
No, it’s no wonder.
And, it should never a wonder to us or others when we do the same—especially when the Risen Lord has touched us and changed us forever. Help us, O Lord, to always be “living testimonies†(Rom. 12:1-2) of Your Power to save to the uttermost. Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated June 14, 2010
