August 7th, 2024

Today is August 7.


The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”   
  
Today’s reading is from the gospel of John, chapter 9.  
 

Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”  
 

They still did not believe. These people had witnessed a great miracle... one that was provable. And yet, they did not believe. Their hearts seem hard, and they seem very keen to cast blame, and to cause trouble.... instead of being in awe over such a remarkable thing as the restoration of sight. As you come to prayer today, can you examine the condition of your heart? Are you at peace? Angry? Cynical? Feeling full of blame toward someone? Can you invite Jesus to draw near to you, however it is you find yourself today? 
 
As you listen to the story again, imagine yourself as the man who received healing. He’s been blind since birth, and now can see. And yet no one is asking him about THAT! They’re complaning, interrogaing him, involving his parents, there’s all sort of commotion. Imagine how you would feel if you were this man. Imagine your encounter with this healing power. Imagine the sense of perspective about life you would have in a situation like this. Can you imagine the tone with which he speaks his words at the end of this text? 
 
The miraculous gifts of the Spirit are a demonstration of the reign and rule of God in the world. Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of God is at hand! One response to that is a cynical one. Full of doubt, or interrogation. Another response is one that is full of faith... that says, perhaps: ‘i don’t know... I was blind but now I see!’ Take time as we end to invite God’s spirit to increase your gift of faith... To give you holy perspective... and to cause your heart to soften and to be filled by His love. 
 
Music: I Speak Jesus - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)