John 9:8-11 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?” Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” He said, “I am he.” Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
This blind man's encounter left him completely changed. It was a change that was obviously noticeable to his neighbors, who had known him, and seen him in his previous state of being. A few questions for us to ponder today are, "Do those who have known me, and my state of being, see an obvious change in my life? Has Jesus been allowed to make such a change in my life that others immediately recognize that the Lord has changed my life? Is Jesus truly being praised because of my testimony for Him?" Although this was a miracle that changed this man's physical being, which was easily seen, can those around us see our spiritual change to the extent that it is as visible as any physical change that could occur in our life? In other words, have we allowed Jesus to make a change in our words, attitude, actions, and deeds, to the extent that it is undeniable that the change is beyond what we could have ever made on our own? The truth of the matter is that this kind of change can only happen if we truly surrender our life and will over to Jesus, not only as our Savior, but also as our Lord. If we want to make a true impact for God in this lifetime, we must surrender our own will and desires, and take up our cross daily. We must have a real relationship with Jesus that is intimate; one where we honestly desire time in His Word and time in prayer. However, it does not end there. We must also have a passion for living in obedience to Jesus' commands, being doers of His Word, and not just hearers. Only then will people truly see a change in us that will give us the opportunity to proclaim the glory of God in our lives; not only with our words, but with the changed life that others plainly see.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).
