Questions
9a. What 24-hour period in your life had the most ups and downs?
9b. How’s your spiritual vision? 20-20; Near- sighted; Far-sighted; Blind-spots?
* * * * *
What's happening in John 9?
vv 1-12 Jesus heals a man born blind
vv 13-34 The Pharisees investigate the healing
vv 35-41 Spiritual blindness
3 comments:
9a. Two years ago a change in kidney functioning numbers via blood work showed a dramatic change had occurred within one month. That was the only manifestation that anything was not right. Two months later I was sent to a young kidney specialist who only had these numbers and my verbal reflection of one incident from that one month interval. He pronounced a death sentence over me and told me exactly how I was going to die. Then he ordered tons of test be done. After this shock wore off, I went into what I would call mental hysterics. God had been speaking "life" to me but the words from this man had embedded themselves in my brain. I could not bring resolve. The next day I had [ coincidentally ] a follow up appointment with a different specialist for a non related matter. I walked into his office in mental disarray, he sat me down and in his calm, soothing manner told me exactly his perspective on what had happened the day before. He told me that all would be well. He'd had experience in his practice with this rare occurrence that had seemingly happened to me. God used him to begin the calming process within my mind. Gradually my kidneys have repaired themselves in God's time. I had to return to lessons God shared with me years ago and that is that when my time comes to die, His peace and grace will accompany me during that time. Praise Him for his faithfulness and for helping this weak servant as I stumbled through this difficult experience.
9b. Well, this question comes after my response above, No fair! But it is fair to say that my spiritual vision can vary based on the reality of the moment. I am still needing "more mud" to help wash away the effects of the world's influence and my own human flesh. However, the One doing the washing and the evaluating has perfect vision towards me and for that I am grateful to be in such perfect hands. Near, far or blind, He will help me come to a 20-20 place with Him.
From the MESSAGE: John 9:1-4
Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, "Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?" Jesus said, "You're asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.
9a.
My biggest 24 hour roller coaster involves a doctor, too. (I suppose that happens a lot with them?)
It was an Aug 26, a few years back, when we went to see an ultrasound of Kali for the first time. We even had Morgan (4 yrs) with us so she could "see" her baby sister. We were SO excited. Then a few minutes into it, the doctor started muttering about seeing something that wasn't supposed to be there, etc.
And I can't describe the shock it sent into our hearts. The doctor tried to be diplomatic and professional, but it didn't matter. As soon as he left the room, I remember just bursting into tears. It was a sad, scary day that had started out so happy and anticipatory. We ended up riding that roller coaster for a long time.
9b.
This is a hard question--I'm not sure how to gauge my spiritual vision until I look backwards to check it. I've really been praying a lot about having a clearer spiritual vision this year, seeing what God wants me to see, focusing on the light, etc. But only he can know if I'm seeing how he wants me to be seeing or not.
I like the mud analogy, Lynn. It just goes to show you that God often uses things that WE don't "see" as beneficial to help us. Yes, I'm glad we're in his perfect hands and not left to fend for ourselves. What a mess we would make.
More from The Message (John 9:10-11):
"They said, 'How did your eyes get opened?'
'A man named Jesus made a paste and rubbed it on my eyes and told me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' I did what he said. When I washed, I saw.'"
I especially like: "I did what he said. When I washed, I saw." Plain and simple.
Lisa the intense heart wrenching time of your baby's death would surely stand out as as the hardest time and roller coaster ride in your life.
Mud? I believe that in Jesus' hands and not ours He can use anything and He will. It is my vision and expectations that can get too muddy when I want my own way and it is not seeming to be His way or His time.
I agree about the hindsight giving us insight. Our eyes are not that well open as we are moving through an experience that is hard.
Good to be blogging with you and thanks for letting me do this with you!
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