The Need for a Personal Encounter.

Today I am really conscious of the fact that our God not only created us but He relentlessly pursues us to win us back into His fold. It is not a vague attitude but a powerful force of His grace in which He uses many ways, but the focus is on the goal – a lasting and loving relationship with Him.

” I would not just create a whole lot of humans that are alike and cast them out onto the earth’s soil as it were, to germinate and grow up by their only volition which is the vitality built into them like the seeds of some crop – as wonderful as that may be. No, every person on Earth is exquisitely designed and built together in their mother’s womb. Born into the circumstances that I have chosen for them. Most suited for their capabilities and for the story I have for them. However, they cannot fully participate in that story till they are born again of the Spirit. So yes, I pursue each person to win their love – because, believe it or not – each person has their own will do decide to submit to my will or not. But I always do take the initiative.”

Last time we looked at the blind man’s testimony. We pick that up again today in the last part of this important chapter on Spiritual blindness from v 35. We see in v 35 that Jesus went to look for this man again. When He meets him He challenges his faith, forcing the man to go past his healing, to help him recognize who Jesus really is and place his trust in Him. This is a a good example of God’s pursuit of every Christian.

It also shows that an encounter with only a healing is not sufficient to bring the person to faith. It is necessary for the person to meet and identify the real Jesus so that he/she can decide to put their faith in Him. The woman at the well was saved when she recognized Jesus. The new birth is a miraculous event but requires our active response. God does not force it on us.

In contrast the Pharisees were right there, face to face, with every opportunity to put their faith in Him, yet they were unable to “see” Him. What was the difference? It came down to their attitude. They had decided to prove He was an imposter and were only open to ways to prove that. In turn, as an act of judgment against them Jesus blinded them and made it impossible for them to see who He really was.

The last vs shows that this was a wilful decision by them, which made them guilty.

To summarise then; Jesus eagerly pursues us and is delighted when we respond. However hearts that are hardened for whatever reason will result in our sight being dimmed. When we prejudge or there is an active sin this can cloud anyone’s sight and experience of Jesus and how well we hear Him. It is important to get to that part of the Lord’s Prayer, ”Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven “. Not just mumbling the words but actively surrendering to the Father’s will. This remains a daily challenge to me and I trust to each one of you too.