Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 9:37, “And Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.'”

Background

Yesterday our home got its first teenager. Thirteen years ago, our first son was born. Exactly one year later, he took his first step. On his first birthday, he stretched his arms out in front of him like Frankenstein and walked across the den floor. It was an exciting moment, and one we got to enjoy five more times with our successive children. But what would the celebration have been like if Ripken had taken that first step, and then never taken another one? How long would the excitement have lasted if he walked once and never used his legs again? What level of anxiety would we have had a couple years later when our next son was about to take his first step? Would we have focused more on that first one, or that elusive second step? And then the third, and fourth? That first step is critical. But without the steps that follow, it’s difficult to see the full purpose of walking being fulfilled. The blind man in our passage had seen Jesus. He had had his sight given to him. But now, Jesus was talking with him. The initial contact had been made, which was critical. But now, Jesus was speaking to him, and he believed in the Son of God and worshiped Him.

Application

As a follower of Jesus, you have seen Him. That initial, critical step has been accomplished. He is still talking to you. There is much that He has been saying since you took that first step. But He didn’t celebrate that moment with you just to move on and see someone else take one step. He has more for you to do, much for you to accomplish, all as your acts of worship to the One who bids you to walk with Him. There is more of your heart that you need to surrender. There is more sight that He wants to give you and more places that He wants to lead you. Can you follow Him with just one step? How much can be done and how far can you go with one step? He is still talking, through His Word and through those you see throughout the day. He is still leading and looking for that next step. Take it with Him. Take it towards Him. It leads right to where He wants you.

Charge

As we seek Him today, consider whether you are still taking steps with Jesus. If His voice is faint, you may have slowed down or stopped while He continued on. Turn your heart back to Him and take another step.  

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words