a witness in times like these
The things that God does in our lives are too great to keep quiet on. The focus on evil has taken center stage and all eyes and ears are set on them. From the violence on our streets to the war on Ukraine the focus on evil has caught all of our attention. The goal of this escalation of evil is to redirect our focus on what God is doing to the atrocity happening around us. Now, just because there is that escalation of evil does not mean that God is not working; he is. Isaiah tells us; God speaking, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (65:24). God is working (Jh5:17), even during the hardest times we face his work never stops. But, because it is becoming difficult to pin point exactly what God is doing, talking about is even harder. Although, when God does something it stands out many times more then darkness or the present evil (Jh1:4-5). Even the simplest things God does needs to be proclaimed out loud (Mt10:27).
John 9:8
8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”
Most of the people whom Jesus healed either became sick, possess or died were not born that way. The bible only mentions a small number, as in this case of the blind man. Because he was born with this illness or defect, most of the people attributed it to sin; their parents sins. And, it was not so, this young man’s parent sin did not cause this to come upon their child as in many cases. Jesus’ desired to heal this man became evident when he stopped with his disciples and pay attention to him. His situation that caught the attention of Christ and his disciples, must have been really grey. The idea that this young man’s parent encouraged his degrading social status leads us to conclude that they did not have a good relationship. Jesus’ use of clay suggests that this young man was in the potter’s hand, and that he was going to be remade(Jer18:6). Also, children used clay to play and make things from, suggesting that Jesus reached down to his childhood(Jer1:5); which must have not been very good full of rejection and loneliness.
This restoration of the young blind man made him to become a vocal part of the ministry of Jesus. While everyone questioned his identity; seeing him daily begging for money, this once blind young man did not forget what God had done for him. Like the demon possessed man from the town of the Gadarenes; whom for years was tormented and living in the graveyards(Lk8:38-39). This man living for years lonely, who probably lost his family and social status was restored. That after Jesus cast this demon out he too became a vocal part of the ministry of Christ.
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.
John 5:17
17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
John 1:4-5
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcomea] it.
Matthew 10:27
27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Jeremiah 18:6
6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knewa] you,
before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Luke 8:38-39
38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.