October 12

October 12

Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem -- Healing a blind man, the tragedy at Siloam, & spiritual blindness.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: John 9

Reading 2: Luke 13:1-5

Reading 3: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

As we trace God's One Story through the life of Jesus, there are so many powerful principles that stand out. This is because Jesus came to reveal God the Father as well as to shine light on human sinfulness before fully rescuing us from our helplessness.

Astoundingly there are still those who will not see that light, while others are hungry for it. The man born blind had a formidable handicap - without sight he could not work, and there was no state welfare system to take care of him. Begging was his only option, but that was hindered by the prevailing theology that it was his fault he was blind - that he had sinned (or maybe his parents) and this blindness was God's judgment. Thus he was a marked man, and who wants to give money to someone God is judging?

Then Jesus comes along, and his disciples ask whose fault caused the blindness. Jesus replies, in a God-revealing way: "We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”

There's that "I AM" again! And he heals the man. So we see (literally) that God does not want us blind - He wants us to see His love even though we are all blinded by sin. Blindness is for healing, not judging.

So God does not work by judging and condemning now that Jesus is here; that was the way to keep sin under control until Jesus arrived. Now the full picture is visible (to those who will see). God gives us a way to be healed and forgiven - through repentance. Today's passages show us that repentance is a change of direction, and a transformation of vision, that humbly accepts God's undeserved grace without trying to earn it by our own efforts.

Have a great day!

Mark.