True Light

As a boy Robert Louis Stevenson who one day would be a novelist, poet, and writer was intrigued by the work of the old Scottish lamplighter who went about with a ladder and a torch, setting the street lights ablaze for the night. One evening, his parents heard him exclaim, "Look, look!  There is a man out there punching holes in the darkness!"

With one statement of childish wonder, Robert Louis Stevenson summed up the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.  That statement should also sum up our work as a believer.   In John 9 Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth.   In verse 5 Jesus makes that profound statement: “ I am the Light of the world.”  

There are three amazing truths that stand out.  First, the misery of the sightless man is clearly seen.  All around us people are in the dark and misery abounds. This man was spiritually bankrupt and hopelessly in the dark.  The sad reality is today there are many all around us who are in the misery of darkness. 

Second, notice the ministry of a sovereign master.   Jesus not only exposed this man to physical light, but he also began to lead him through a series of events that brought him face-to-face with who Jesus really was.   It is important that we bring people physical light, but being able to see with physical eyes is never enough.  Helping him see spiritual truth was the goal. 

When God is working it is important to keep in mind that He may not be through.    This man receives his sight, he moves from darkness into light, but the story was in no way over.  The Pharisees in their religious correctness had a way of smothering Jesus, but that did not stop Jesus from working. 

Third, in this passage is the message of the supernatural miracle.   In verse 35 of this chapter the Jews cast out this man, but Jesus went looking for him.   Jesus was the light that shined brightest, Jesus was the light that was seeking, and Jesus was a light that was saving.  We must be people who join together seeking to punch holes in the darkness with the greatest light of all: The Gospel!

Questions:

1.     What can we do to personally “punch holes” in the dark world around us?

2.     In what ways are we tempted to stop when God is not through working?

3.     In what ways can we seek to help others “see” spiritual truth that is life transforming?