Just Brilliant!

There are times when someone commits a blunder of some kind to which someone else might sarcastically remark, "That was brilliant." What a strange expression for something that maybe was not in reality very bright. The real tragedy is those who refuse to acknowledge that which does truly SHINE brilliantly.

There were many who marveled at the things Jesus was able to do even while others saw and yet refused to believe in God's power being demonstrated. Though Jesus was able to heal the blind, there was nothing He could do for the self-blinded. Those who refused to see even as they continued to ask Him to show them a sign, appear to have been unwilling to believe no matter how many signs Jesus provided to testify regarding Who He truly was and is.

On one of the many occasions where Jesus' power was clearly demonstrated we read. . .
"(32) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. (33) And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, 'NEVER WAS ANYTHING LIKE THIS SEEN IN ISRAEL.' (34) But the Pharisees said, 'He casts out demons by the prince of demons.'" ( Matthew 9:32-34 ESV)

Though "the crowds marveled" at seeing what they had never seen before, the Pharisees refused to associate Jesus with God, but rather accused Him of doing His works by the power of the devil. These who thought they knew the Law and the Prophets were not very bright when it came to seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of all that had been written. Their blindness is clearly seen. However, it is also reflected in one of the words attributed to the crowds. They had never SEEN anything like this in Israel. The Greek word translated "seen" is "phaino" which literally means to bring forth into the light, cause to shine, or shed light. It means to shine, be bright or resplendent. [source: Strong's Lexicon] In other words, never had "anything like this SHINED in Israel." In spite of the brightness of the works Jesus did, the spiritually blind remained in the dark. Therefore they saw, but could not see.

When we recognize Jesus as the "Light of the world" ( John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46), then everything about Him -- His actions and His words -- are seen to SHINE as well. As Jesus has touched our life, we also ought to SHINE; a SHINING that reflects His glory as we keep our life aligned with His! Truly knowing Jesus should brighten every aspect of our being. May our life help others see how believing is truly the bright thing to do!

Have a great day LIVING IN THE SON-LIGHT OF TRUTH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness