First Light

“As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ After saying this, He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ he told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means ‘Sent’). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing” (John 9: 1-7).

The Pool of Siloam

Since 2004, archaeologists have uncovered more of the Pool of Siloam in the City of David, which is the size of two olympic swimming pools. Jews journeyed to the City of David from wherever they lived three times a year: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Before they could worship, they washed in the Pool of Siloam. This is also the place where Jesus healed the man born blind. Jesus spoke of an urgency in this event. He said, “Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” The night makes all man blind – spiritually blind. Through Jesus, our eyes are opened, and we can see the truth in this world, because He gives believers real sight to discern what is right and good. Without Him is darkness. Like the man born blind, our first light is the day we receive the love of Jesus.

The Choice

Choose today whom you will serve – yourself or the God who loves you. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone, but “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Since it was urgent for Jesus, it is still urgent today. If you have not made the decision to follow Jesus, do not hesitate any longer. You can experience amazing love, peace and joy instead of loneliness, despair and anxiety. This is the most important decision you will ever make.

Prayer

Thank you Father God, King of the Universe for the truth in your word. Open our eyes to see your marvelous works and the new life available to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.