Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from June 4, “That The Works of God Might Be Displayed”
We resume our study of John with Chapter 9. This passage troubled me for many years. It’s the story of the blind man that Jesus healed by putting clay on his eyes and sending him to the Pool of Siloam to wash. The disciples wanted to know whose sin caused this man to be blind, his or his parents’. It was Jesus reply that troubled me, “this was so that the works of God might be manifested in him.”
It seemed so unfair. This man was blind all of his life so that Jesus could have a moment? My own resentment surfaced when I thought about it. I felt somehow wronged by God, too. But my perspective has changed over the years. As I draw closer to the Lord and see His work in my life, i grow to love Him more. Now I look at Jesus’ words and take them as if they were spoken of me, and I rejoice! In my case, those works of God may not include my own healing, but He can use me to heal others. It is the spiritual healing that we all need. The physical would be nice, but what happens to this cracked old clay jar is of no real importance. I have an eternity to look forward to. Can you see it? Has He opened your eyes?
This man became a testimony to the religious leaders of his time, illustrating the words that Jesus had been speaking to them all along. Just as He brought light to the eyes of this blind man, He has brought light to the world. We do not know his name, but he is still witnessing to the world of the power and purpose of our Lord through John’s record. Was not such an honor worth a few years of blindness? If you have seen the light, someday you may meet him. I am certain that he will tell you, “absolutely, yes!”
