October 13 “Vision”

Vision

Word traveled fast in the streets of Jerusalem.
The “trial” had taken place outside the Temple grounds in full public view but Jesus and the Twelve did not see it happen. These events were the news of the day. Someone found Jesus and told Him of the decision of the elders to cast the young man, and most likely his parents as well, out of the Temple. In that day this was like an excommunication, like sending them to hell. Jesus would not allow this to stand without His further intervention.

Do you believe?
When the home of the family was pointed out to Jesus, the sounds of rejoicing met Him on the front step. They had called relatives and friends to celebrate the healing of their son. The windows of the house were open and joy spilled into the streets in music and laughter. Jesus and the Twelve could not help joining in the merriment.

People who had witnessed the healing recognized Jesus and started to tell the family He was there but He restrained them. He was ushered into the front room and the celebrants took a deep breath. At the sudden silence the young man looked up to see the man whose shadow he had felt in the street and whose hands had touched his sightless eyes. As he studied the face of Jesus all the world suddenly made sense. The years of darkness seemed a small price to pay to be in the presence of such a One. Before the young man could speak, Jesus asked,

“Do you believe in the Son of God?”

He knew the voice immediately and he wanted to shout, “Yes!” but the moment seemed to require a more thoughtful response.

“Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

Jesus smiled and it was like the sun coming from behind a cloud. The young man stole a glance at his parents. His father was fighting back tears while his mother had given in to them. That beautiful voice continued,

“You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

This was the moment for shouting. How could he not believe? Darkness had given way to beautiful light, shadows to substance, anonymous sounds to visions of order and grace.

“Lord, I believe!”

He fell forward at the feet of Jesus. He wrapped his arms around Jesus’ ankles weeping with adoration. Jesus did not stop him. Against the sound of this worship, Jesus spoke,

“For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see,
and that those who see may be made blind.”

Spies among Them
Agents of the Pharisees had followed Jesus to this house and witnessed these events. The irony of these events penetrated their darkness.

“Are we blind also?”

Jesus looked at them with compassion. Perhaps there was hope for some of them.

“If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’
Therefore your sin remains.

The spies lowered their heads, wondering about their mission and the opposition of their superiors. They saw slivers of light but were not quite ready to be healed of their blindness. They tried to slip away unnoticed.

Scriptures:
John 9:35-40
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God? “He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 16:11 NKJV
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your light is a penetrating light, a healing light. You illumine the darkness to which we have become accustomed and show us new and shining worlds. Your grace is a thing of light, of peace, of joy, and of unbreakable promises. Help me to see Your face today. Help me to walk in confidence that Your Word is a lamp unto my feet a light unto my path. I walk with You on the Path of Life. This is all so amazing—and true! Thank You, Lord Jesus!

Song:
Amazing Grace
Words: John Newton; Music: Traditional

1. Amazing grace (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

2. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

3. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

4. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

5. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

6. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.