John, the Evangelist tells us that when Jesus passed by a man born blind and his disciples asked him who had sinned, Jesus replied, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.”
If we think on it, we can recognize that God continues to use our handicaps, weaknesses, and malformities to reveal his glory. Don’t we see the cheerful personalities of Down Syndrome people and appreciate their contagious joy? Have you noticed how cancer diagnoses can often reveal God’s physical, emotional, and spiritual healing powers and draw the patient and their loved ones closer to his heart? Broken bones can force us to rely on others, giving friends and family the opportunity to serve, and giving us the excuse to practice humility. Even death, the ultimate weakness, can reunite families and compel people to face the truth of God and eternal life.
The thing I may enjoy the most about the formerly blind man, is the way he responded bravely to the unceasing questions afterwards. He witnessed honestly to his story unphased by the Pharisees trying to entrap him. He defended Jesus and acknowledged him to be a prophet even though he knew it could get him kicked out of the Temple.
In contrast, in John’s story of Jesus and the man crippled for 38 years, we see a very different response after his healing. Reprimanded by the Jewish leaders for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, he tried to divert the blame to Jesus. Despite the transformation Jesus made in the man’s life, he did not want anyone to label him a disciple. So later, when the man saw Jesus again and learned his name, he went and tattled to the leaders. From that point the Jews began to persecute Jesus.
Acknowledging God’s presence in our lives may require bravery. Jesus has been healing you since you were a child. Did you recognize it? Have you given God credit or were you embarrassed to praise God to others? Let us claim our title of Disciple and speak boldly of what Jesus is doing in our lives.
Scripture: This week, read John 5:6-16. What is it saying to you?
Call to Action: I would love to hear your story of God working in your life. Email me at slotlynda@gmail.com.
