Can you see me now?

In John 9, it is really amazing to see Jesus at work. He opens the eyes of a man blind from birth, and what a whirlwind of emotions he must have experienced afterwards. We see from the story that he’s a full-grown man, blind from birth. After having his eyes opened by Jesus, he is immediately faced with all these questions, a frightening interrogation from the Pharisees, after which he is ousted from the Synagogue. Thankfully, but not surprisingly, Jesus is there to lead him into his new life as a believer. Wisely, this man believes in Jesus as Lord, not only gaining natural sight, but spiritual sight as well. We see how Jesus rescues him here:

John 9:35-38 NIV
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

We all face challenges in our lives. If you are reading this blog it’s likely your eyes have been opened to the answer to those issues. How many times is the answer right in front of us, but we are wandering around blindly, because we are not discerning “the answer”?

Yes, you know the answer, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. Yet at times we have wandered away from the flock and find ourselves in a predicament, leaving us only seeing the problem in front of us. In John 10 we see Jesus the Good Shepherd and the door leading to pasture. John 10:3-4 says:

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Did you notice in verse 4, it says, “he goes ahead of them”? Wow! So, if we are following Jesus, He will prepare the way before us! Let me ask you this: Are you close enough where you can hear His voice? Can you see Him now leading you?

We can see a beautiful picture of how the Lord wants to be our shepherd in Psalm 23. Did you know this is speaking of the day we are living in? I like the New Living Translation;

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

You may say, “That sounds really nice, I would like to follow closer as Jesus leads, so I can see His goodness more in my life, and honor Him”. Let’s pray this prayer of consecration together:

“Lord God, I commit to trust you fully in my life, I know you are the Good Shepherd. I draw close to you, and listen as I know you are speaking to me now. I will obey your voice, and follow as you go before me. Thank you for leading me into green meadows, beside peaceful streams, while renewing my strength, and guiding me along the right path to bring glory to your name. Amen.”

QUESTIONS :

Day 146

The man born blind not only had his physical eyes opened, but also his spiritual eyes. Can you share with us when your spiritual eyes were opened to the truth of the gospel, and you accepted Jesus?

Day 147

Jesus said that he “the shepherd”, calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. What name has he given you? Do you ever call yourself anything that contradicts what Jesus has called you? Please share with us a Word confession about yourself … What does Jesus call you?

Day 148

Jesus said, “even if you don’t believe me, believe the works…”, then we see those that followed Jesus across the Jordan, they realized that everything John said about Jesus was true, even though he never performed any sign. How many of you would say, “no matter what I see naturally, I still believe”? You can answer with emojis, or elaborate.

Day 149

Jesus knew by the Spirit what was happening with Lazarus’ situation before arriving in Bethany, because after the sisters reached out he was in tune with the situation. Had he already declared the outcome of the situation by saying “This illness does not lead to death”. You will see the goodness of God, if you just believe! Somebody please testify about God’s goodness! Share a good testimony with us!

Day 150

When confronted by Martha concerning the death of Lazarus, Jesus was unmoved by the situation (or by death). John 11:25-26 NIV Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” How can Jesus’ attitude, and statement, affect our outlook and attitude? Can we defy death in our lives and those connected to us? What do you think?

Day 151

Jesus orchestrated his death perfectly through the working of the power of God in him, with his works inspiring this meeting of the chief priests and Pharisees, and Caiaphas prophesying Jesus death. Who knows he can work his plan perfectly in your life? Show me some emojis if you agree, or elaborate on how you have or are seeing him work in your life.

Day 152

We see from this passage that Mary just “gets it”, she was bold to act by inspiration, and anoint Jesus’ feet, which Jesus said was for his burial …WOW! How has your boldness to act in kindness toward others, started a working of God in their lives? Or what are some ways God has used you to reach others?