“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:3 (ESV)

Nearly 25 years ago the pastor of a mega-church in southern California penned a book with a provocative name: “The Purpose Driven Life.” The book sold millions of copies and prompted many to re-consider their life with a clear, spiritual focus.

For Jesus it is a bit more simple: you were created for the display of God’s work.

Some theologians and pastors may quarrel with me about extending this comment from Jesus concerning a man born blind, but as I mentioned in my sermon on this text earlier in March, I think it fits well.

You and I, like the blind man in the story, were born in “utter sin” (John 9:34). We may find the Pharisees more than a little judgmental for our tastes. For the matter, they were making a judgment based on the man’s genetic deficiency rather than making an expression of the doctrine we now know as “original sin.” But their words bring into focus the stark reality of our life: sin separates us from the love of God and the life God intends for us.

Jesus’ words and work with this blind man bring into focus God’s desire for us. This blind man was, at the beginning of the story, not one through whom the works of God might be displayed. But by the end of the story he was; and in more ways than one.

• Jesus gives the man his sight. Jesus even imitates his Father from the story of creation in Genesis where God forms man from the ground. In this case, Jesus uses a mud pack. The work of God to heal the man is on display.
• The man goes and washes his face in the pool of Siloam. His great faith to follow Jesus’ instruction is also a work of God on display in this one.
• The man, who should be intimidated by his interaction with the Pharisees, is bold enough to stand up and confess clearly the work that Jesus did. His boldness is, also, a display of God’s work.
• Finally, when he meets Jesus face-to-face (he couldn’t see him before) he confesses clearly his faith in Jesus the Christ. This is God’s greatest and most glorious work: the gift of faith.

It’s not a bad outline as you consider yourself as one through whom the work of God is on display.

• God’s gifts are manifold and God’s blessings extravagant. You may not have been healed of genetic blindness, but each day you are sustained by the gifts of God.
• Your faithful work each day, in response to those blessings, are also evidence of the work of God.
• Your confidence to speak boldly of the work that God has done for you is also a display of God’s work.
• Finally, and most especially, is the gift of faith in your heart to confess clearly God’s love for you. This is also, for you, God’s greatest and most glorious work.

Sin may separate us from the life and work God intends for us. The love of God in Christ restores us to that life and purpose.