Spiritual wisdom is not worldly wisdom. This is very clear in the story of Jesus healing the man who was blind from birth, and as we wrap up our discussion about it, I want to examine the Lord’s profound concluding commentary. After testifying about his healing in front of the Pharisees, the once blind man must have been in a state of disbelief when he was thrown out of the synagogue (or wherever he was being interrogated) for simply answering questions. Thankfully, as he sat wondering what just happened, Jesus appeared to him and made sense of the situation. While it took the man a minute to realize that he was now face-to-face with his Savior (since he was blind the first time they met), worship was his natural response to God’s presence. Although it wasn’t the “religious” or “right” thing to do, his transformation warranted unfettered and heartfelt praise, so he offered it without restraint. On the other hand, those who were too devoted to the letter of law to care about divine power become the objects of judgement. While the Pharisees were thought by many to have spiritual sight, Jesus made it clear that they were blind to what was important. Though they were educated and erudite, they couldn’t move beyond natural constraints to embrace the power that was working mysteriously through this perfect Son of Man, so they never had the joy of knowing Him.

My friend, be a person who embraces the glory of Jesus! While this story takes place over 2,000 years ago, in the religious realm today, there are still many who don’t want to see God break the rules, so they find every reason to deny His supernatural strength. However, especially in this turbulent time, it’s important to open your heart, enlarge your territory, and expect to see the Holy Spirit move in your midst. Your Savior is actively at work in the world, and He can still part the Red Sea, raise the dead, or do anything that mortals label impossible. He hasn’t shifted, nor has His character wavered, and He continues to pull down mountains in the lives of people every day. He is for you, not against you, and if you have the faith, He has the power. In fact, He wants to show Himself glorious in your circumstances so that others see His miracle-working might and yearn to know more about the wonders of His perfect love. As you worship Him wholeheartedly, He fills your life with His presence and enables a watching world to see His goodness at work in you.