RECAP–Light’s Freedom–based on John 9:1-12
Imagine being blind in Jesus’ time. To be blind not only meant you were unable to see, but so much more. It was a commonly held belief that blindness and other physical ailments were the result of sin, either of the person themselves or as a generational curse of the parents. If you had one of these conditions, you had to live outside of the community. You were not allowed to fellowship with anyone, could never enter the temple or place of worship, or even be touched by anyone. If you were in this man’s shoes, how would you feel? Unloved? Unwanted? Undesirable? Hated by God?
But in a moment, all of this man’s despair changed when Jesus arrived. Jesus touched him and set him free from his bondage, and he was able to see. Not only did the man learn that he was loved and desired by God, but he encountered the one who can truly set him free inside and out. After all, that is why Jesus came: “to preach good news to the poor, to set the captive free, to recover the sight of the blind and to set free the one who is oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). As long as Jesus was in the world, he was going to be the “light of the world” (John 9:5). This man encountered the light of Jesus, and he was instantaneously set free and no longer bound.
Even though Jesus might not physically walk this earth, Jesus still is in the business of being the light of the world. What does Jesus do for us?
He breaks the chains of bondage…
…of our past. It does not matter what we have done or what has happened to us. Jesus sees us right where we are and can reach us there. This man was born blind; some of us might be where we are because of our own choices. We might live with pain and regret and with the consequences of what has happened. But we don’t have to be bound by the past; it is “for the glory of God to be revealed” (John 9:3) that Jesus works. He shows us that he can still minister into our lives despite what exists in our past, nurture us, and set us on a new path.
...of our questionable beliefs. This man, as did Jesus’ disciples, believed that the condition was a result of sin. Jesus corrected this faulty view by saying neither this man nor his parents sinned. Sometimes we become bound by believing in things that are not necessarily true. Those falsehoods could cripple us into rejecting the truth of the Word. Some of those beliefs are straight lies from Satan (God could never use you; you are washed up and not good; you are hopeless).
Nothing is too messy for Jesus.
Jesus could have spoken a healing for the blind man. Instead, he spit on the ground, made some mud, and put it on the man’s eyes. Jesus was willing to get dirty and touch this untouchable man. In so doing, he showed us no one is untouchable; everyone can be touched by Jesus! Also, it shows the great lengths God is willing to go. Don’t believe the lie you are not worth it, for Christ went all the way to the cross to set us free! It does not matter how messed up life is; God loves you and is working on your behalf!
We have a role to play.
Again, Jesus could have healed the blind man without hesitation. Instead, he asked him to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. The blind man had to trust in Jesus’ words and rely on the help of others to get to the Pool in order to wash. Likewise, we too have a role to play. Jesus has come to set us free from bondage, showing that nothing is too messy for him. But we have to trust in Jesus’ word and show the willingness to go and wash, to remove those things in our lives that we allow to place us in bondage.
When we encounter the light of the world, there is freedom. But night is coming. Seek the freedom that comes from the light now before it’s too late!
Questions for reflection
1) What keeps you up at night, or keeps you in bondage?
2) Are there any beliefs that need to be readjusted?
3) How do you honestly view yourself in light of God? others? Do you need a touch from God today?
4) What are those things we might need to go and wash away from our lives?
5) Do you trust God fully?
Upcoming Services
Pastor Ryan will continue the In the Light series with the sermon titled, “Do We Really See?” based on John 9:13-34. What causes spiritual blindness? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for January 12 – 18
January 12: John 4:27-38 What energized Jesus?
January 13: John 4:39-42 How did an entire town find freedom?
January 14: John 5:1-15 Who found freedom in Jesus? In what way?
January 15: John 5:16-30 How can Jesus bring freedom?
January 16: John 5:31-47 What needs to change in us to accept freedom?
January 17: John 6:1-15 How did Jesus reveal himself?
January 18: John 6:16-24 How did Jesus reveal himself?
This Week’s Events:
Tuesday, January 12–Women’s Fellowship @ 6:30 pm
Upcoming Events:
Thursday, January 21–Leadership Team @ 7 pm
Announcements:
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
As we look at the ability to reopen in the coming weeks, we are in need of both worship leaders and children’s story. We are looking for one person each week, rather than a month at a time. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Tammy Stine (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Restoration of the national church
7) Revival
Directory
There is a draft of the 2021 directory in the narthex of the church. Please check it and update any information that needs to be corrected.
Nursery
Misti Wheelbarger is looking for volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour for next year. If you are willing to help, even if it is just for a Sunday, please reach out to her and let her know.
Four Ways to Give! With the extended closure, this is greatly necessary.
1) Mail your tithe into the church office **PLEASE NOTE: We have had several days of no mail, and also some reports of mail being stolen on our street.
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate at the main entrance as you enter for church
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer:
Those in our community being negatively impacted by COVID and economic impacts. Several have seen layoffs in recent weeks.
Andy Anderson (COVID)
Mary Batterman (health)
Sam Carr (health)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Heath Kimmell (health)
Alda Miller (health)
Mary Miller (health)
Shirley Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Evy Kaye Sandin (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Chris Southerly (procedure)
Stanley Suter (health)
Mary & Joe Whitmore (health)
Carolyn Wine (health)
Charles Wright (health)
Owen Wright (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek COB