February 28 See the Light?

John 9:1-5 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
 
MOST of us, I believe worldwide, know the words of the song “I Saw the Light”. Here’s one verse and chorus:
 
Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.

I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
 
This is a good theme song for John 9. For the next week we’ll look at this chapter comprised of this remarkable story of healing, mercy, belief, doubt, fear, retribution and revelation. The testimony of Jesus Christ, Light of the World, will come from a man born blind to the world. We’ll see how Jesus opened his eyes and his heart to confess belief in the Light of the World. And you’ll see who remains truly blind to Jesus. Go ahead, read John 9 now. It should be read in its entirety to understand God’s purposeful will as we see how Jesus overcomes the blinding darkness with which we are born.
   A first lesson, though, is difficult for many of us. Teaching, “But this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” Jesus tells us the Lord God will take us into testing times, so our victory in the conflict will glorify, or praise God’s name. The Jews viewed such infirmity as blindness was sin’s penalty. Indeed, sinful actions do cause certain diseases to affect people. But we begin to see the Light of Jesus’ salvation as we know God takes us at times through dark valleys. Walking faithfully through these dark places, we will see the Light. Our testimony will be, “Our God heals.” The sovereign God has formed this man to be blind, so Jesus can demonstrate physical healing to the Jews. And the story will be told through the ages.
   Further, this healing is a foretaste of Jesus’ resurrection. The Light is showing himself to his people. Who will see? And who will remain blind?
 
Prayer: I pray, Lord, I learn in these next lessons how to know with more trust, “You are the Light.” Amen.