“I was reading in John’s gospel this morning,” Stan began, “and I saw a good example of the whole story of conversion and the walk towards transformation in just a few short verses.”
“The whole story?” I responded. “What whole story?”
“Well,” Stan replied, “in the first instance it was the whole story of one man, but it was also the whole story of my experience in coming to Christ. As well, it can be the whole story of anyone and everyone.”
“What was going on?” I asked.
“We have talked some about the man who was born blind, but was healed by Jesus,” Stan replied.
“We have,” I responded. “Several interesting aspects of what Jesus did and how various people reacted. [Note to Reader, see Posting 548, “What Is God Doing And Why?]
“Exactly,” Stan said. “And what I have to talk about this morning is, I think, the final and most important part of why this man is included in John’s gospel account.”
Continuing, he said, “This man’s healing had caused all sorts of upset with some of the Jewish leaders. They got really mad at the guy. And then Jesus stepped in, just when he was needed most.”
“Stepped in?” I responded. “How?”
“It says that Jesus went looking for the man,” Stan replied, “just like when Jesus went looking for me. And when Jesus found this man who had been blind, He asked him a really important question, just like He did with me.”
“What question?” I asked.
“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” Continuing, Stan said, “Then the man asked his own question, the most important one anyone can ask. He asked, ‘Who is He?’”
Continuing, Stan said, “Jesus responded by saying, in essence, ‘You’re looking at Him’, and then the man said that he believed.”
“End of story?” I asked.
“No,” Stan responded. “It then says the man worshipped Jesus. To me that is the beginning of the rest of the story. That is the step of beginning to live out the process of being transformed from conversion.”
“Working out what had been worked in?” I asked.
“Exactly!” Stan responded, and then continued, “So, here in a nutshell is the whole story of conversion and transformation set in the context of one man, but applicable to all.”
He then concluded, “Jesus went looking for the man, asked him an important question, to which the man responded with his own crucial question; Jesus pointed out who He is, the man believed for when he would step into eternity, and then he began the process of transformation that occurs on this side of eternity.”
“That’s what it’s all about,” I replied. “Short version of the most important story a person can ever hear, believe, and live!”
“Amen, my friend,” Stan said. “Amen!”
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Jesus heard that they had put him out; and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “And who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.” And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Him. John 9:35 – 38.
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your provision of Jesus, your only begotten Son, who provided the way to life eternally with you when it’s time through His life, death, and resurrection. Thank you for bringing into my life the truth of eternal salvation so that I could choose to believe. Thank you, too, for beginning the process of being transformed from the moment of conversion. I confess that too often I do not pursue that transformation the way you intend and have provided. Please forgive me. And please help me in following every step of your lead in truly worshipping you on this side of eternity. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: The conversation between Jesus and the man who had been blind is a crucial example for all of us. Where are you in that conversation? Have you found Jesus? Have you asked Him who He is? Why or why not? If you have asked and He has answered, have you done what this man did? If not, why? If you have, where are you on the path towards transformation from being converted? Where do you want to be?
Waiting for the Train 