John 9:30-41 Standing by God & His Principles
The man answered and said to them “Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?” So they put him out. Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” John 9:30-41
Background
After Jesus instructed the blind man to go to the pool of Siloam to wash, he came back seeing. That attracted many people who were familiar with him who used to beg. That day being the Sabbath Day had made it a violation to perform any kind of work. Hence, the Jews were looking for the One who had violated the Sabbath rule by healing the blind man. The Jews upon seeing the excitement of the people who having witnessed a great miracle were pressing the man to denounce the Healer as a sinner. The man having experienced the miracle hung onto his testimony exalting Jesus as a prophet from God. In this episode, we witnessed a man who having made a defence for God, found salvation in Christ.
Observation
“If anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.”
We observe that the blind man is a God-fearing person and had been praying for God to heal him. Although he did not know Jesus as the Son of God, he got his prayers answered. Using his own healing as evidence, he put up a firm defence for the One who healed him.
“If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”
Only God can do a miracle of healing on the sick. Jesus’ work of healing proved without a shadow of doubt that He came from God.
“You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?”
The Jews failing to get the man to denounce the Healer tried to discredit his testimony by branding him a sinner and expelling him from the community. The man was isolated and no one was allowed to relate to an expelled member of the community. Jesus, having realised the man’s plight sought him out and revealed to Himself as the Messiah (Saviour). Because the man stood by God, God stood by him.
“For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”
He gave this judgment that those who acknowledge their blindness will receive their sight. But those who think they can see, actually turn out to be blind. Jesus is the true Judge who alone is the Light of the world. As Judge and Light, He is able to guide us to the way of prosperity and abundance. Humanity is blinded because of greed and darkness of their hearts. Unless Jesus sends His Light, humanity remains blind.
Truth
The secret to getting our prayers answered, is to revere God and to walk in His ways.
God hears the prayers of those who fear Him, although many may not know the full revelation of Jesus Christ. The fear of God or reverence is fundamental to knowing and having a relationship with Him. In fact, many were baptised and prayed in Jesus’ name, but did not revere Him as Lord of their lives. They tried to compensate for their disobedience by giving money to the church, and putting on a facet of religious piety. When they could not obtain what they desired, they stopped worshiping God. Without the fear of God, it is not possible to obtain God’s promises and blessings. In order to prosper in our finances, relationships and career, we need to first revere God and do His will.
God seeks out those who make a stand by Him and His principles when things gets difficult.
It is much better to be accepted by God and to be rejected by the community than to be accepted by all and rejected by God. You may be isolated for a while, but God will seek you out and vindicate you. Psalm 37:4-9 says,
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
Jesus sought out the man who was expelled and gave him His blessings when he made a stand for God. We cannot live in two worlds, we either stand with God and by His principles or we pander to worldly desires.
Those who humble themselves and acknowledge their inadequacy will be enlightened by God to the way of safety and success.
Only God can see and discern perfectly in every situation. Only He knows the hearts of man and the things of the future. Therefore, it is absolutely important that we must single-mindedly do the will of Him who is the Light of the world so that we may not be blinded by deception. Many depended on their own abilities alone because they could not hear God, for their minds were filled with anxieties and arrogance. The bible tells us to cast our worries on God because He cares for us (see Philippians 4:6). James 4:6 says, God gives a grace that is stronger, He opposes the proud, but receives the humble. By acknowledging our weaknesses and God’s omnipotence, we become recipients to God’s infinite grace and blessings.
Application
Humble ourselves every morning to read God’s word and receive His wisdom and insights for the day. Be single minded in hearing His voice and understanding His thoughts. If we can keep this discipline consistently, we will experience prosperity and abundance in the years to come.
Concerning our reverence for God: Is our behaviour consistent in public and in private? Do we insist that others to conform to a set of principles and yet do not apply them in our own lives?
Take a stand for God and live a principled life: Do we apply God’s principles even when it costs us great inconveniences? It is easy to be principled when it doesn’t come with a price. Do we believe God enough that He will provide us the best if we choose to do what is right?
Dear Lord, I acknowledge my inadequacies and being blinded in my ways. As I humble myself, show me the way of success and restore to me the joy and assurance of salvation. Forgive my many sins and remind me to be always dependent on you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.