Seminary Training Not Required*

Psalm 15:1-2 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.

There is nothing like the honesty of a child. Each of my children have said some things in a moment of utter transparency that make me laugh. I've noticed the car or the bathroom seems to be particularly stimulating to honest conversation. After my 2nd C-Section, one of my older kids attempted to encourage me about my post-pregnancy body by remarking, "Mom, I wouldn't worry a bit about that scar on your stomach, because that big flap of skin covers it right up". If I could have crawled into the floor of the shower at that moment I would have. Still, I had to appreciate her honest assessment of the situation.

This morning I am studying John 9:24-41. This section of scripture further details what occurred after the blind man was healed earlier in the chapter. We don't know many details about this blind man but I'm willing to presume that as a blind beggar (Verse 8) that he had not received an Ivy League education. Yet in this passage, he presents some of the most profound statements of faith presented in scripture.

• I was blind but now I see - How many of us have great fondness for the hymn "Amazing Grace"? Those words, "I once was blind but now I see", made famous in the hymn were penned by this blind beggar (Verse 25). When the religious leaders continued to press him about how his healing had been made possible, he didn't try to answer with some deep theological argument but instead spoke irrefutable truth. If we belong to Jesus, we too have irrefutable truth of which to speak. I once was a liar but now I'm honest. I once was a cheat but now I'm faithful. I once was a pretender but now I'm genuine. God has given each of us a unique story to share without embellishment.
• God listens to the godly man who does his will - How greatly I desire a powerful prayer life. Here this simple man acutely recognizes God's truth (Verse 31). In this simple formula of being godly and acting godly lies the secret to answered prayer. Long before James wrote that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful (James 5:16), this fact was acknowledged by an unschooled blind man.
• Lord, I believe - There is no greater statement of faith then simply mouthing, "I believe" (Verse 38). Those two words establish a relationship with God through Jesus, fuel growth during the trials of life and usher us into the presence of God for an eternity with him.

Jesus, today may I not complicate my faith but instead rely on the simplicity of your truth. You love me. You died for me. You hear me. You have great plans for me. Lord, I believe.

*This blog entry is written today in honor of my husband whose profound but simple faith inspires me every day to love Jesus like he does.