John 9
Bible Passage: John 9
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
~ John 9:5
Jesus spoke these words during His ministry on earth. As we engage in our own ministries in church, and lead our lives in this world, do we remember who we are and for what purpose we are here on earth for? Do we even believe in Jesus’ words in this verse and consciously make it our goal?
Taking Initiative as the Light of the World
How are we to be the light of the world?
Any spark of light draws attention. Broadly speaking, we call attention to ourselves in two ways – people find a worthy leader in us by our fairness and trustworthiness, or people cannot help but notice our lavish and obtrusive behaviour.
How did Jesus set out to be the light of the world?
In the 33 years that Jesus lived, He performed many signs to direct people to see the truth, He healed the sick and diligently spread the message of salvation and eternal life. The gospel according to John records in detail and gives very readable accounts of Jesus’ works on earth.
In this chapter, Jesus took the initiative to heal the blind man. There are many amongst our friends who are lost in their own pursuits and engagements and hence ‘blind’ to God’s purpose for them. They become our concern when we take the initiative to reach out to them. It is easier for us to realise that they need our concern, than for the lost to realise that they are lost.
In the parable of the lost sheep, the master dropped everything to look for his one lost sheep. The master knew that his little sheep had already lost its way, and it would not know the right direction back to the fold. The master had to go out to look for it himself and to bring it back.
Just like Jesus who first reached out to heal the blind man, we must live out and share God’s love and power, so that our family and friends can find a leader in us who can guide them on the right path.
Do not hesitate anymore. Let us lead boldly the way and provide the light for our friends to see Jesus.
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”
~ John 9:4
One Comment
depress one
When I read about the blind man, i cant help but admire his perseverance and increasing faith in Jesus. He didn’t try to cover or shy away from testifying Jesus miracle, despite numerous malicious questioning attempt from the Pharisees. Also, in the face of danger of been excommunicated from the synagogue. Another interesting note is that his faith seems to be increasing with each interrogating question. verse 25 he is unsure whether Jesus is a sinner or not (ie. from God or not). And then later in verse 30 to 33, the blind man seems to be more re-affirm in his believe that Jesus is from God. And seems to be mocking the Pharisees in verse 30 that they are marvelously ignorant of where Jesus is from.
Another thought that comes into mind is that this born blind man remind me of Nick Vujicic. I have read his book, Life Without Limbs, bought from popular bookstore. He used to question God why is he born without legs or hands. The comfort he could get is from the bible. One of them is from exactly this passage about the born blind man. Just like the disciple asked why is he born blind, and Nick found his answer, “it is neither of his sin nor his parents sin, but for the work of God to be revealed in him”. He used to blame his parents, people around and even God for this lack of limbs. He thought that God has a sick sense of joke. He even attempted suicide. And that was before he truly believe in the above verse. More importantly the second part of the verse “For the (glory) work of God to be revealed in him”. He hang on to his faith in God, he found his purpose in motivating people through his life experience. Testifying for God with his life and less than adequate body.
There are times we can’t come into terms with things happen to our lives. And we tends to equal a “cause and effect” explanation to the bad happenings. Just like Nick or blind man example, why is he born limbless or blind? Let us not be too quick to judge our predicament. Else we may fall into the trap of resenting others, ourselves and even God. We may blame ourselves as failures. we may even be unable to move on with life/grudges/etc and eventually lose our faith in God. Rather, when face with such adversity we need to hold on, as what Nick believe, Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Therefore, let us hold on and believe in God’s goodness and His plan/purpose for us is ultimately good.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”