From Zero to Hero
"his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg? Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him. “But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”" (NIV) John 9:8-9
Bible reading: John 9
Never judge a person by appearance or because of their present condition. I had a new view of John chapter 9 this week as I read of the man born blind. There are so many occurrences in life under the universe that cannot be explained despite all the advances in all fields of studies. The blind man in John 9 has been suffering from birth. People around him had different perceptions about him. Some may have attributed many reasons for his blindness. Almighty Jesus at the right and appointed time disclosed why this man was blind. It had a divine purpose (John 9:3).
Ironically, the opening of the eyes of the man elicited different responses from the community. The Jewish people and their leaders were interested in the ceremony than the life of the blind man. Instead of jubilating on the healing, they were asking, who healed him? Even the parents of the blind man gave him up when they were queried (John 9:21).
The blind man who was not respected became the most popular person in town everybody was talking about after meeting Doctor Jesus. He became a messenger for Christ. He shared the message so confidently that it annoyed some leaders. Under intimidating conditions, he proclaimed Christ as a Prophet (John 9: 17). This was something those with eyes could not see about Christ. Whenever you encounter Christ, the light must shine in you because Jesus is the light of the world (John 9:5). This man was not ashamed of his past. He never waved on conviction about Christ. He did not only evangelize in the open but also to leaders (verse 27).
Encounter with Christ converts people from shame to fame, zero to hero. What has God done for you? Are you willing to share to glorify God? Evangelize Christ. Amen