Today’s Reading: John 9:8-12
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” So I went and washed and received my sight.’”
* * * * *
After Jesus gave sight to the blind man, the man’s neighbors didn’t recognize him. Some said it was the blind man, now with sight. Others said it looked like him, but it was not him. But the blind man said repeatedly, “I am the man.”
They asked, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He told his story. He shared how Jesus made mud and anointed his eyes. Then Jesus told him to go to the pool at Siloam and wash his eyes, and his sight would be restored. He did what he had been told to do, and his eyes were opened.
The blind man’s testimony spoke loudly. Jesus came to change lives. All he asks is that you go share your changed life with others. They may want to argue doctrine, orthodoxy, or trivial Bible perspectives. But they cannot argue your testimony or your changed life. The blind man now saw. He shared this truth. That’s all Jesus asks of you as well. Just share what happened to you. It’s your best witness for him.
Please note as well that there is great power in simple obedience. The blind man obeyed what Jesus asked him to do, and the Lord used him mightily. It’s a profound part of faithfully following him. You don’t have to understand every fine point of theology to obey him. Just do what he tells you to do. Simply obey him—in all things great and small. And incredible results can follow when you do so.
Jesus’ heart yearns for you to know his supernatural, unconditional, and healing love. He longs for you to know his life-changing eternal grace, mercy, and compassion. When you know these things inside you, there is no problem or obstacle you can’t face in your life.
If you love the Lord, you will desire to obey all that he has commanded you to do.
There may be some days you don’t feel like it. Obey him anyway. There may be some times your circumstances are daunting and you’re tempted to take the easy way out. Obey him anyway. There may be times when peer pressure tempts you to follow the crowd and not him. Obey him anyway.
Simple obedience. It will tell others how he has changed your life. Don’t be ashamed of what he has done for you. Do every small thing he asks you to do—even if it seems as silly as putting mud in your eyes and washing it off in a pool. Faith and obedience are undeniably connected.
And remember that the Lord withholds no good thing from those who do what is right. Joyful are those who obey his will and search for him with all their hearts. Desire that your actions consistently reflect God’s will. There should be no shame when you compare your life with his commands.
If you want to increase your faith, obey Jesus. When you do, your faith will grow. Miracles will increase.
And he will be glorified.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]