Today’s Scripture readings: Psalm 120-123; Jeremiah 25:8-17; Romans 10:1-13; John 9: 18-41
Today’s writer: Kindal Cameron
As I read the selection of verses, I noted several contrasting themes: trusting in God’s
sovereignty versus depending upon my own abilities, finding God’s peace in obedience and
humility versus receiving God’s wrath for disobedience and pride, and surviving in spiritual
blindness versus thriving in spiritual sight.
“Jesus said, ‘For judgement I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who
see will become blind.’ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What?
Are we blind too?’ Jesus said, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that
you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’” ~ John 9:39-41
Many times I end up behaving like the Pharisees. I am broken and struggle with perfectionism
(like taking hours to compose a 5-10 minute devotional). In my life, this is more an effort to hide
my wretchedness and appear worthy to created people than it is to please the Creator. At times,
I too struggle with the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees who were trusting in themselves for
salvation, rather than God.
Yet, there is no need to burden ourselves or others with customs we think will make us more
acceptable in God’s sight. The invitation has been extended and grace, brought through the blood
of Christ, has covered all. We are welcome to ascend the holy hill and enter into the house of
the Lord (Psalm 122:1). When we begin to rest in God’s grace and trust in his sovereignty, we
will have peace within and seek prosperity for others (Psalm 122:8-9). Notice what was revealed
by the words of the Pharisees versus the words of the blind man. They were condescending and
cynical, yet he was trusting and believed (Romans 10:9-10).
I am challenged to be more like the man who was once blind. He didn’t have all the answers
or a step-by-step plan for obtaining sight. Instead, he displayed humility, gratitude and an
understanding of grace far greater than the religious leaders saying, “One thing I do know. I was
blind but now I see!”
This meditation spoke to my heart. I particularly appreciated your honesty and humility in admitting your struggle with perfectionism in writing this meditation. God has been teaching me to trust Him and not lean on my own abilities (or fail to act due to my limitations).
I have not responded to other meditations on this blog due to my fear of not being able to communicate it properly. I too suffer from the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees.
Thank you Kindal for your post and Eileen for your comment. I can very much relate to both. I avoid writing anything unless I am strongly encouraged and have a proof reader close at hand. Count me in among the Pharisees.
Amen. Beautiful words. I sensed the warmth of God’s grace even as I read, and I appreciate the final words of the blind man.