Do you remember the story in John
about the man born blind in John 9? The story begins this way: “As He passed
by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi,
who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" Jesus
answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it
was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus proceeds to heal
this man. Recently I thought about Jesus’ statement and my personal judgements.
I have always assumed that the way this man would display “the works of God”
was in being healed. He was a canvas that God would paint with a great miracle.
What if Jesus meant something far more profound?
Psalm
139:14 declare that “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Was the blind man?
Did God form his inward parts? Did God weave him together in his mother’s womb?
We quickly respond, “Well, or course.” Really? Even in his blindness? What if
Jesus’ statement about the blind man displaying the works of God were true even
without the healing. What if he was born blind to display God’s works, even in
his blindness?
I have
always assumed that all physical disabilities are a result of the fall. Without
sin, they would never exist. This is inferred from Jesus statement that he came
so that the blind would see and the lame would walk. And yet, I wonder. When Adam
and Eve fell God promised broken relationships, pain in childbirth, futility in
work and death. He did not say, your sons and daughters will now be blind,
deaf, lame, or short. Is it possible that Jesus’ words regarding the blind man spoke
of his magnificent value as an image-bearer of God even in his blindness? Is it
possible that Jesus was reminding us that disabilities do not diminish our
value at all? Could His words provide us with a model for how we see those who
are not like us, or who are not like the “norm?” Before the fall, could a boy
have fallen from a rock and broken his leg severely enough to walk with a limp?
Could an accidental back swing of a hammer have taken out the eye of a man’s
wife? (Remember, errors and accidents are not necessarily sinful).
I am not yet convinced of my musing but I am intrigued. Regardless of where I ultimately land on this idea, I now see far greater value in those with disabilities than I did two weeks ago. I also see that God will display His works uniquely in each person’s life. Therefore, He will guide and direct our steps throughout “the days that were ordained for me.” (Psalm 139:16)
