One Thing I Do Know

And then the man washed and came back seeing. We are all blinded…we all live in the darkness of our human weakness. It is only by the grace and re-creative power of God that changes and transforms us. All that we know that is real and true enough to share stems from that transformative moment where Jesus recreates our sight. It is possible to have much knowledge and no sight. Helen Keller was once told. “what a pity you have no sight, she answered, yes, but what a pity that so many have sight but cannot see.” The pharisees were as blind as the man, but had no knowledge of their blindness so could not be transformed. They did not know who they were, so they could not know who Jesus was. When the man was questioned on the authenticy of Christ…his reply was the only one that cannot not be argued. “so the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give Glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I can see.” The critical need, created the transformation. Until we are honest with who we are…and what we need…we will not know who He is, nor will we have any knowledge or truth to share.

My brother retired this year at 40. He owns the largest Academic editing company in Asia. He has successful companies in Taiwan, India, China, and Dubai. He is the largest privately-owned rental property owner in Berrien Springs, MI. His quiet retirement endeavor is 50 acres of hard wood truffle farming in Renoke West Virginia. He never fears being hungry again. But he makes sure anyone of those in his circle of influence don’t feel it either. He is kind hearted and generous. He is well loved by his employees who will tell you stories of his practical aid and the food he provided for their table when they had none of their own. His hunger so many years ago on that chilly night in Paris, directed his entire life, his transformation…and the results of that transformation is the value he has to share with others.

We love, because he first loved us. We were lost but now are found. We cannot take credit for the knowledge that transforms both our lives and through that, the lives of others. There are many times we do not have the answer, and even more that the answer just isn’t to be found…but our most powerful knowledge and our most compelling answer is simply. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.