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2009-11-21

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Lifestyles

Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:46 PM

SERMON: Will it be justice or mercy?

By DAVE BILDERBACK, Special to The Herald

In the ninth chapter of John, we read about a man who was born blind.

It was the Sabbath, and when Jesus came upon this man, the disciples asked him if the man’s blindness was caused by his or his parents’ sinning. Jesus answered, “Neither,” and proceeded to restore the man’s sight by spitting on the ground and making some mud, which he then put on the man’s eyes. He then sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam. So the man went and washed and came home seeing.

It is interesting to see this man’s life change, not only because he can see but because he comes to a saving knowledge of Christ. This man went from being physically blind to being spiritually enlightened.

He faced surprise and skepticism from his neighbors who thought he only looked like the blind man. They asked him how his eyes were opened and he told them how Jesus put the mud on his eyes and gave him his sight.

When they asked where the man who healed him was, he said, “I don’t know.”

The neighbors then took the man to the Pharisees, who questioned him some more.

The man related the same story to them, telling them of the mud and the pool of Siloam. The Pharisees asked him, “What have you to say about the man who opened your eyes?” And he replied, “He is a prophet.”

The Jewish leaders still did not believe, so they sent for the man’s parents who confirmed he had been blind. They sent for the man again and told him to give the glory for his sight to God, not to this man, Jesus, because he was a sinner. The man said, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see.”

At this, the Pharisees threw him out.

Jesus heard they had him thrown out and when he found the man he asked, “Do you believe in the son of man?”

The man asked Jesus, “Who is he, sir? Tell me, so I may believe in him.”

Jesus said, “You have now seen him. In fact, he is the one speaking to you.”

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped Jesus.

Today, many people have sight but they are blind to the things of God. Each of us has to ask ourselves if we see the holiness of God. Do we understand that God, as our creator, has the right to demand we live our lives in obedience to him?

If you are blind to things of God, you will receive God’s justice. If you have spiritual understanding, you will receive God’s mercy.

What will it be? Justice or mercy?

Dave Bilderback is a Garnett resident.

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SERMON: Will it be justice or mercy?

By DAVE BILDERBACK, Special to The Herald

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.