September 21, 2020 -- John 9:3 -- Greatest Healing
/Jesus answered,
“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
John 9:3 English Standard Version
On October 31, 2017 Frank Stephens addressed a United States National Committee on health. That is in itself may not seem significant, until you realize that he is a man with Down Syndrome. He argued before the national health committee why his life is worth living. He argued that studies have proved, and his own life testifies to, the happiness with which folks with Down Syndrome live their lives. Whereas many people look at a man or baby girl with Down Syndrome and then look over with stricken eyes at the parents or siblings. Know this: these men and women, youth and children themselves live with joy. The works of God and His glory are displayed in them.
The blind man of our story had contact with his parents. This is evident from later verses in this story. This man had not sought Jesus out for healing. In fact, the story portrays Jesus seeking him out and noting the glory of God will be displayed in him. Already the glory was displayed in the fact this man is a part of his family and faith community. But now the even greater glory of God will be displayed—God will bring him to salvation. That is the greater healing, the greater glory.
As a minister I know how often someone with an illness will be approached by other Christians who will say things like: “If you believe enough, God will heal you”. Others will note it is our Father’s intention, in every case, to bring healing. When someone is not healed then there is a disheartened sense of “what am I doing wrong?” In our lives, whether we are sick or healthy, rich or poor, suffering or relatively free of suffering understand this: our Father in heaven loves us and knows us. His sign of love is not in acting like a Celestial Santa Claus granting healing wishes—to look at Him in this way is a non-starter.
In fact, God our Father, shows His great compassion in this way—each one of us is given the opportunity to have the greatest gift ever: knowing Jesus Christ. He lavishes His love and brings glory to His Name and into our lives wherever Jesus is presented as the Savior of the world.
This is why we are urgent in our evangelism to the world. The greatest gift and highest glory we can have is this: to know Jesus Christ.
I ponder the works of Your Hands—God of Glory! I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a man in a desert thirsts for water in a dry and parched land. Let the glory of Jesus and the knowledge of His way fill my heart and mind so that the longings of my soul will be satisfied. Thank You God, for Your Spirit, Who brings such living water and glorious joy in Christ. Amen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=136&v=HsBHbkblN-Q&feature=emb_logo
