Verse of the Day 12/13

John 9:5   As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."   English Standard Version (ESV) 

Today's verse comes from John 9 and speaks of Jesus as being the light of the world.  A fitting thought for the Christmas season.  It comes from a passage where Jesus heals a blind man who had been blind from birth.  The passage starts by saying that as Jesus passed by he "saw a  man blind from birth".  Unlike other healings that he had performed where people called out or reached out to Him, in this case Jesus saw the man.  He knew his situation and had compassion.

 

I just started reading John Piper's book "Disability and the Sovereign Goodness of God" where he deals with this passage at length.  He points out that the disciples were "engaged" because Jesus was engaged.  Having a son with a traumatic brain injury, I was struck by the following words that he wrote, "If you want to be one of the most remarkable kinds of human beings on the planet - a Jesus kind - see people with disabilities.  See them.  And move toward them.  God will show you what to say."

 

We attend a fairly large church with 3 services on Sunday.  Some feel that it is easy "get lost" or blend in with the crowd in a large church.  I don't find that to be the case, greatly because there are several people that are "a Jesus kind", they see Jeff and his disability move toward him and reach out to Him, give him a hug and talk to him.  When Jeff sees these people, his friends, his face just beams and he get so excited that he almost comes out of his chair.

 

In the hustle and bustle of this season, if you notice someone with a disability or special needs, "see them", move towards them and let God show you what to say.  You'll be a blessing to that person, you'll be Jesus to that person.   Others may become engaged because you are engaged.  Show that He is still in the world as the light of the world.

 

Blessings,
Mike
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John 9

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. ² His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

³ "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

⁶ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. ⁷ "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means "Sent"). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.