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. (John 9:35-38 NKJV)
In John 9, Jesus encountered a man who was born blind from birth. Jesus healed the man and the man’s life is miraculously changed. He tells others about how Jesus had changed his life, even amidst sharp criticism and testing by the religious leaders and authorities. He was so overwhelmed with joy over how his life was changed, that he could not help but tell the truth even if it meant persecution.
I find it very interesting that this man first recognized Jesus only as a prophet (John 9:17). Immediately after he was cast out from the meeting with the religious leaders, Jesus heard that the man was cast out and He went to go find him. He loved him so much and continued to pursue him. When Jesus found him, the encounter helped the man to know Jesus even more. As a result, he no longer saw Jesus as only a prophet. Jesus, now, was his Lord and Savior.
As this man grew to know Jesus more, he not only was able to see physically with his eyes, but he also grew to know Him spiritually with his heart. I love how Jesus, in His unfailing love, desired to reveal Himself more and more to this man. The man recognized that Jesus was seeking him and as a result, began to walk with Him, grow closer to Him, and know Him more and more.
This passage has reminded me that God is always seeking for me to know Him more. He is always using all circumstances, all situations, and He is constantly orchestrating all things for His glory, perfectly woven into His master plan, specifically designed for me to know Him more and to grow in His grace.
As this year is rapidly coming to a close, I have been looking back on the past year and reflecting on events and circumstances that have come up in my life. There is no question. Jesus has been seeking me just like He did this man. There are times when I have responded to Him there are also times when I have forgotten who I am in Him. Through it all, no matter how I have responded or failed to respond, He has never given up on me. He keeps loving me. He keeps pursuing me. He keeps growing me despite my stubborn and sinful nature. He keeps pouring out His mercies and grace.
It is my prayer that in the new year, Jesus gives me the faith like this man in John 9. I want to be able to speak boldly of how awesome He is despite the opposition and persecution that surrounds me daily. I want to be able to see His hand at work in my life not only in the blessings but especially in the trials and difficulties of life. My prayer is for God to grow me in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and make much of Himself with this existence.
Lord, I love how your Word speaks to my heart. I love how you always remind me of how awesome your love is and how you never, ever, stop pursuing me, even in my darkest hour.
Lord, you know my heart. Anxieties for me are huge! I worry so much about thins I should be trusting in you…things already in your hands and already part of your plan to bring glory to yourself. Help me Lord, to trust in you more. Help me to see you clearly at work in my life and in my heart. Help me to respond to your work in my life in ways that bring honor to you and grow me. Be magnified and lifted up high for all the world to see how awesome you truly are. Help me to set my mind on eternal things and not just what I could see and touch now in the present.
I look forward to this coming year, Lord. I long to ascribe glory to you for all things and I am eagerly expecting and anticipating for you to grow me closer to you. There is no greater joy, no greater love, no bigger longing than to be in fellowship with you continuously. I love you, Jesus!
John (johnd7264)
Sixty-six books in a year 