When Jesus healed the young blind man, He stirred a controversy. Was Jesus really from God or not? The Pharisees, who were like religious lawyers, prided themselves on being able to resolve any theological question. So they interrogated the once-blind man. Their first question was purely factual: how was he healed? But it was a ploy to get the man to admit that Jesus had healed him on the Sabbath - which by their rules was 'working', something prohibited on the holy day.
Some considered that Jesus had broken God's Law (really their own interpretation of the Law) and so He could not be from God. Others rightly considered that the miracle was the work of God: who had seen anything like it? The opinion of the healed man was clear - Jesus spoke with the voice of God; He was a prophet. His command to go and wash was the blind man's invitation to believe and obey. When he did, he could see for the first time in His life.
It is easy to resist God by 'examining' Him academically. Like that, we feel in control and He seems remote and uninvolved. But when God is at work, close at hand, He challenges every other authority. Those who believe and obey are blessed; but religious legalists feel threatened, and false prophets are challenged. Instead of welcoming the people whose lives have been transformed, they may be persecuted. Although it is very unfair, that is how 'truth-resisters' feel better about their own wrong position, enabling them to continue to defy the authority of God in Jesus Christ. So, today, if you are being challenged or persecuted, be encouraged that you are demonstrating something of the transforming power of Christ. And also please pray for millions around the world who are suffering because they belong to Jesus.
Resisting God
John 9:13-17
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided. Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet." (NIV)
Prayer
Great and powerful God. I am so glad that You have power and authority to change people and circumstances. Forgive me when I fail to thank You. I am sorry for the times when I have not supported my Christian brothers and sisters who have suffered for belonging to Jesus. Please help me to accept the challenges from unbelieving people, even though they may be religious and sincere, but do not know You. And please sustain all of Your church who are suffering under persecution at this time. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Bible Book
© Dr Paul Adams
