And Who Is He?

Daily Reading: John 9

Scripture Focus: Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” (John 9.35-36)

Devotional Thought: Open eyes lead to open hearts. Several years ago I watched with fascination as my friend, Fran, ministered to Bridgette. When Bridgette, a cast-away from society, first came to our church seeking help, she was wary of church people. She was uncertain about God. But Fran befriended her and remained faithful and patient with her. Seeing the love of Christ faithfully lived out, Bridgette opened her heart to Jesus. She was baptized and joined the church. Bridgette was the perfect example of how people - when they see the love of God working through you - will open their hearts to Christ.

When Jesus healed the blind man in John 9, the man had left the presence of Jesus and gone to the pool of Siloam to wash his eyes. It was there that his sight was restored. Consequently, he had not seen Jesus. That is why he did not recognize Jesus when Jesus returned to him. He was, however, anxious to meet him and believe in him: "Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"

Even before people meet Jesus, they have been influenced and touched by the prevenient grace of God. This is God's grace that leads people to the knowledge of him. They are still unaware, however, that it is Jesus who has given them life and its blessings. So they ask, "Who is he that I may believe in him?" Like Fran did with Bridgette, it is up to us to bear witness to the One in whom they can put their faith. May our lives cause people to say, "And who is he, that I may believe?"

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me life in you, for forgiving my sins, for taking me into your family. Help me, O Lord, to love others and faithfully serve them so that they ask, "Who is he that I may believe in him?"

Psalm of the Day: 18 I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you. 19 Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause. 20 For they do not speak peace, but against those who are quiet in the land they devise words of deceit. 21 They open wide their mouths against me; they say, "Aha, Aha! Our eyes have seen it!" (Psalms 35:18-21)