Meeting the expectations of those either in authority, or who wield varying degrees of influence, is not uncommon in striving to achieve a desired end, control an outcome or to secure an advantage. The question of motive is normally not something that is taken into account over the course of this process. It stands to reason that when something is not readily visible, it is less likely to be questioned or will stimulate one's interest for further discovery. Motives are certainly unseen catalysts that possess the potential for making things exceedingly messy. They can, and do in many instances, tend towards unhinging and ruining business organizations, relations, people, deals and arrangements. Thereby, claiming an undetermined number of victims because of actions devoid of wisdom, and dictated by the foolishness of blind ambition:
"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes 2:11-14).
Let us not forget that even those in authority are under authority. And as you might have guessed, the cycle continues. Each and every one of us must and will be held accountable. NEWS FLASH: by its very nature, the vile flesh of a fallen humanity is incapable of words and behavior that accurately and consistently reflect motive. The book of wisdom puts it like this: "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits" (Proverbs 16:2).
As the Author of existence and the Ultimate authority (or Creator of AL that exists), Almighty God is self-existent, self governing and self-sufficient. His might, majesty and splendor is unveiled in the genius of His first creative work as He speaks "light" itself into existence! Contrary to the widespread and popular belief of a fallen and darkened world, He needs no introduction: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened" (Romans 1:18-21).
Besides, He is "Light". That is, the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God, and in in accordance with His divine order and redemptive work, sent us Himself!!! Why? Well, putting it plainly and simply my beloved, He did this for the very same reason He formed us from the "dust of the ground" at the commencement of creation: He loved us, and he wants us to love Him as He loves us. That's it! But be advised and understand, what we deem as love neither measures up to His love, nor is it a product of "Light", but instead darkness. There is also power in God's light, because the smallest amount of light dispels the greatest amount of darkness. Christ, in His incarnation (I discuss this further in the next paragraph), gives us this remarkable glimpse: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Now, I challenge you to seriously and sincerely consider the meaning and magnitude of this supernatural event dear brothers and sisters. Almighty God Himself, left His heavenly dwelling and came down to this earth clothed in human skin, and in the Name and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and His "only begotten son. (John 1:14). What an immensely humbling and distinct honor, opportunity and privilege. Another method of expression would be that: He made dirt and darkness the offer of purifying light: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:5-10).
Walking in the light ensures and empowers faith, purity, holiness and righteousness, while securing our relationship with the Lord of Glory, and thus our salvation (Psalm 29:2). The Bible places such a high premium on the presence and power of this radiant light of life, that it takes on metaphorical overtones in the narrative of the man born blind. In the Jewish culture of that time, there was a belief that the commission of a major sin resulted in a disabled or diseased state of a person.
To counter this groundless claim, along with confirming the meaninglessness of blind religion, Jesus Christ arrives on the scene and restores the sight of the one born blind. He was tasked with imparting the truth about the blind man's affliction to His disciples as well. These were His words: "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:3-5). I did an instant replay of the words Jesus spoke as He ended the above passage, and it's truly worth repeating: "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world". What does He mean? I'd urge you to ponder this as well. If you haven't already made the discovery, the answer is provided at the conclusion of this message.
Consequently, Jesus, His supernatural healing of the blind man, and the man formerly blind himself became the objects of intense interrogation , criticism and controversy. Jesus not only healed him physically, but more significantly he was healed spiritually. Once that occurred, the one formerly blind began walking in the Light of Life. His faith proved undeniable and increased mightily. Moreover, his zeal and enthusiasm in defense, proclamation and highlighting his new life in his Lord Jesus Christ was nothing short of inspirational!
He was not to be deterred or discouraged by the intimidation of the corrupt and counterfeit Jewish leaders, or anyone else for that matter. This narrative truly qualifies as a "How-to" in testifying and sharing one's devotion to the Lord, what the Lord has done in one's life and the change that has taken place in one's life. Note the expression of confidence in what he uttered to the Pharisees. This occurred prior to his being dismissed from the temple precinct, and despite being harassed because of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: "The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing" (John 9:30-33).
Once Jesus became aware of the man's encounter with the Pharisees, he entered into his presence, and spoke to him with words of comfort and encouragement. Nothing compares with the care, concern and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Under the circumstances, and at the very least, this dear soul must have derived unspeakable joy, solace and satisfaction from none other than the Light of the World. These were the final words Jesus spoke to His new faithful follower: "And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind" (John 9:39).
My beloved brothers and sisters, in conclusion of today's message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, let us remain steadfast, tried and true in professing and proclaiming our undeniable faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us walk in the glorious light of Life. And, finally, let us remain intensely committed to sustaining an ongoing knowledge, understanding and application of His Word, growing in His grace, laboring in love for one another and others. In fulfilling these Kingdom qualities, we will NEVER find an occasion to slip, stumble or stray outside of the light, into the realm of the lost and wandering in darkness: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105).
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).
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