Go to Siloam and Wash

Psalm 85, 87 + Psalm 89.1-29
Joshua 3.14-4.7 + Ephesians 5.1-20 + John 9.1-12, 35-38

Much is made of the theme of love in Christianity, and rightfully so. We are, after all, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. This IS the greatest command. Corollary to it, however, is a theme that emerges quite clearly in today's lessons. John tells of a man who was born blind. His disciples inquired as to why the man was blind. Jesus response was that this man was born blind in order to bring glory to the Father. As the story unfolds, God is glorified, but not through Jesus miracle or even through the man's love. The man told everyone:

"Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight."

God was glorified through the blind man's obedience. Paul cautions his audience:

"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Why?

"the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient."

Even in Joshua, God's mighty act is remembered because Joshua was obedient to God's command to select 12 men who would each place a stone as a memorial to God's great power. The Westminster Catechism reminds us that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever." That can only happen if we are obedient to the will of the Father. Sometimes God asks us to do big things, sometimes small. Sometimes God's command makes sense, other times it does not. What is important is that whatever God asks, we obey.

Most glorious God, whose glory was revealed to your people through the many miracles you preformed, may your glory be revealed to the whole world through our obedience to your will for our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.