Message from Carol Stines, Director of International Programs

I love the story in John 9 about the blind man Jesus healed.  I love it because of the connection the healed man made when he realized he’d had a spiritual healing as well as a physical healing.  Verse 25 c has always been one of my favorite…”I was blind, but now I see”.  I also love how he stood up to the Pharisees afterwards.  He even taunted them…I’ve already told you what he (Jesus) did…do you keep asking because you also want to become one of his disciples?”

I contrast this blind man who was healed with the lame man by the pool of Bethesda in John 5.  This man is also miraculously healed by Jesus, but instead of being thankful, he “told on” Jesus.  Verses 15 and 16 say that he told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole and therefore the Jews persecuted Jesus.  I don’t understand why he would do that after receiving such an amazing gift.  It’s so easy to ask the Lord for things but then not even show appreciation. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, may we be truly thankful – and to the one who deserves our thanks