Good morning—today is Thursday, August 7, 2025. Have you ever noticed how someone’s presence can influence and shift the atmosphere? Presence often reveals something deeper: power or powerlessness, strength or insecurity, confidence or doubt. This was true when Jesus showed up… Let’s take a look!
Today's Reading:
Zephaniah 1,2,3; John 9
Scripture
“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’ Jesus said, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’” (John 9:39–41)
Observation
This chapter begins with Jesus healing a man who had been blind from birth—on the Sabbath. The Pharisees didn’t like this. They were more concerned about preserving their rules than celebrating the miracle or caring for the man. In their pride, they interrogated both the healed man and his parents, looking for any way to discredit Jesus.
These were men who studied the law endlessly, yet missed the heart behind it. Somewhere along the way, pride, self-righteousness, and control crept in. It’s scary how spiritual pride can convince us we’re right—when we’re dead wrong.
Application
The irony is sharp: the Pharisees, who were supposed to be the spiritual guides, were the ones who were blind. But the man they cast out could now see—both physically and spiritually. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the standard.
Any other standard—rules, image, position—will always fall short. I never want to fall into the trap of thinking I’m the “grand poobah” of spiritual insight. I’m not. When Jesus shows up, He reveals both the best and the worst in us. The question is: will we open our eyes—or close our hearts?
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for the humility check this morning and for stepping into my life and revealing what’s truly in my heart. I’m open to Your leading. Keep me close—and keep me clear-eyed. Amen.
- Pastor Aaron Cordeiro