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Working In The Light

John 9:4-7
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ After saying this, he spat on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ he told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means ‘Sent’). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (NIVUK)

Jesus was preparing His chosen disciples to be the leaders of the church (Luke 6:13), after Jesus went back to heaven and the Holy Spirit had come (Acts 1:8).  Jesus had made a blind man see.  It was a powerful demonstration that Jesus had come to illuminate blind human hearts (Isaiah 42:6-7).  Jesus brings light to all who admit that they do not understand God’s truth and want to know; whereas those who boast of their insights but do not submit to Jesus, will face His judgement (John 9:39-41).

This was urgent work, as Jesus would be on earth for such a short time of ministry; but it also taught the trainee apostles the need to work for Jesus while they had the time and opportunity (many of the disciples died early and violently at the hands of others).  The original words used for ‘work’ and ‘works’ in these verses also give us the words ‘energy’ and ‘energetic’.  Jesus says that, “…we must do the works of Him who sent me”.  That ‘we’ includes all who believe in Jesus, who are made children of God and workers in His family business (John 1:12).
 
We do not know how the man was made to see, but we do know that his healing involved the active desire of Jesus and the blind man's co-operation.  Jesus took the initiative; the muddy poultice was a great reason for the man to wash his muddy eyes in the Pool of Siloam and prove his faith.  In going, he showed that he believed Jesus and was willing to obey His command.  For the disciples, it showed the importance of obeying the command to believe the gospel while there was time.

The gospel message carries an urgency with it.  Hebrews 3:7-15 quotes from Psalm 95 in pressing the readers to take action when God speaks.  "So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts ... See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”  Faith is not only obedient, but it is also timely. So, when the Lord speaks, act in faith and on time.

Prayer 
God of truth and love. Thank You for revealing Your will to me and urging me to do what will please You. I am sorry when I have heard and yet not obeyed. Forgive me for this practical lack of faith, or the arrogance to assume that You will wait for my time. Help me to know that although Your word is eternal, my response needs to be without delay. May my ready obedience strengthen my faith and give others a godly example to follow. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams