Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

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Whereas I Was Blind, Now I See

The blind man who has healed by Jesus gave this testimony, “…whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25b). This man was blind from his birth (John 9:1). What was the purpose for which he was healed? Jesus explains, “… that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:3).

How was he healed? Jesus “… spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.” (John 9:6). And Jesus said unto him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam… he went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.”The treatment that this man underwent seemed quite simple, but it was effectual. He received sight. His parents testified he was truly blind, “We know that is this our son, and that he was born blind.” (John 9:20). His neighbours and others who knew him also testified, “The neighbours therefore, and they which had seen him that he was blind said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him…” The man himself testified, “I am he.” (John 9:8-9). Jesus healed him. Jesus is indeed the Great Physician. The reason why Jesus could heal this man was that Jesus is God! What a privilege to meet Jesus and be healed by Him. “Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:32-33). Jesus Himself testified, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day, the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:3-4). Indeed, “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not … He was in the world, and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:4-5; 10-12). Jesus is Creator. He is the One that imparts life to man. Therefore, He has the power to remake the withered eyes of this blind man. Jesus is indeed the Saviour of the world, He is God manifest in the flesh!

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2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

The bountiful sower finds himself receiving a bountiful harvest. The sower’s effort did not go to waste but was directly the reason for the fruitful produce that came after. The effort put into the sowing was tremendous. It was no small matter to be fully engaged in the time of sowing to ensure that the seeds are properly sown. The soil has to be prepared, the seed has to be sown on good ground.

The Apostle Paul observed such was the good work of the sower. Indeed, also observed in Proverbs 10:4 “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich”. And in Proverbs 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”

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2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

The Apostle Paul gives a simple principle of cause and effect. Like a farmer who sows his seeds to receive a good harvest, he has to sow liberally to receive a proportionally good harvest, notwithstanding, other circumstances. He urges his readers to not be weary in well-doing. The Christian is not the poorer for his liberal giving is the sense of his exhortation. In fact, the man who blesses others bountifully will also be blessed bountifully.

Christianity Is Give, Give, Give – A clergyman wrote a wealthy and influential businessman, requesting a subscription to a worthy charity. He promptly received a curt refusal which ended by saying, “As far as I can see, this Christian business is just one continuous give, give, give.” After a brief interval the clergyman answered, “I wish to thank you for the best definition of the Christian life that I have yet heard.” — New Century Leader¹

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2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

The Apostle Paul taught the church in Corinth how they are to do good. He took time to organise the collection and sent responsible men to ensure that the process is safe and robust to transport the gifts to the church in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

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2 Corinthians 9:3-4 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

The Apostle Paul’s urging of the church in Corinth concerning complete the task of their intended giving is like a parent preparing the children for life. The parent teaches the children godly principles and follow-up by showing them how to apply well to life situations. This is the heart of a godly parent toward training children for the life ahead of them.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

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2 Corinthians 9:1-2 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24). This was the Apostle Paul’s intention when he recalled the readiness of the Corinthian church to give support to the saints in Jerusalem. As a result of their zeal to give, it has encouraged the churches in Macedonia to do likewise. And these churches have flourished in their giving. A year later, it seemed the good intention of the Corinthian church to give has not been realized. The Apostle Paul felt that he need not even mention this in his letter, knowing that the Corinthian church will be forward to complete the collection.

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2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

The collection that will be sent to Jerusalem will go a long way to help the brethren there. It was a blessed opportunity to exercise the stewardship entrusted of the Lord to them in Corinth. The Apostle Paul, their spiritual mentor, was at hand to guide them towards this grace of giving.

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2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Titus was the Apostle Paul’s co-labourer in the gospel work and the two unnamed men were men of integrity and reliable, selected messengers of the churches, for the glory of Christ. This was a commendable team assembled whom the Corinthian church may have the confidence to entrust the care of their stewardship in their hands.

As such, the task of ensuring the collection is safely delivered to the church in Jerusalem is duly considered and planned for to ensure success for the glory of Christ. Thank God for such care taken. Such detailed organising proves the heart of the Apostle Paul towards fulfilling God’s calling in the gospel work. This provides for us an example!

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2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Thank God for raising honest and diligent men for the work of the gospel. Although the Apostle Paul did not name this man, he was able to recommend him as a man of integrity and dependability. Moreover, he was one whom we notice served without having to be noticed. His contribution was invaluable. God rewards such faithful labour of His servants who for the honour and glory of God hazard their lives.

The journey, no doubt, is fraught with danger, knowing that a substantial sum is being entrusted to the care of these men. As mentioned, the two unknown men mentioned thus far have been men of repute in the sight of God and men and have volunteered their services for the gospel’s sake.

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