Years ago, the Meadows area of Indianapolis used to be a crime zone. Just mention the word ‘Meadows’ to most city residents--and even some visitors--and you would think of crime, prostitution, and a host of other social ills. However, over the course of the last few years, the Meadows has undergone a transformation; spearheaded by several local churches, ministries and mainly those who live in the area.
In today’s Bible story out of the Gospel of John, Chapter 9, another transforming event is worth observing. Jesus happens across a young man who is without sight. Being blind in Bible times was not a good thing. In fact, it caused that person to be truly looked down upon, and a lot of questions from those in the community around him. Even the disciples of Christ had a hard time understanding as to why our Lord was spending valuable time ministering to a blind man.
“Who did sin?” Was the first question out of the disciples’ mouth in verse two. Isn’t that like individuals who are with God, but don’t really know Him? “Where IS the sin?” Jesus looked past the affliction and to the heart of the matter, which He explained in verse three. To paraphrase, it was an opportunity to show God as being supreme in the solution to the man’s problem. Today, too many people are quick to write off what God can do in their problem. They are quick to criticize the church, downplay the Bible, and dismiss their need for salvation as paid in full for, by Jesus Christ.
The nameless man was quick to obey Jesus’ solution to his blindness, and he was healed for his obedience. However, this former blind man had to resist his friends, his neighbors, his parents, and the ‘religious’ in order to keep what the Lord had given him. Once one discovers how beautiful it is in Christ; once one discovers the ‘real deal’ behind being a Christian, the also discover thay have to daily maintain their connection with Him by prayer, Bible study, and telling others what He has done for them. Sure, there will be some who will criticize your stand. Nevertheless, you have to walk on and realize for yourself that His Word is a clean one…for the dirty times that one may face.
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