Lent 4A - First Thoughts

Lent 4A

1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41

In my initial read of these lessons, the strongest connection is between the Gospel lesson and the Epistle lesson. Themes of light and darkness are important to John, and are evident in this narrative of the blind man. Paul reflects those themes in his letter to the Ephesians.

1 Samuel 16:1-13
This narrative connects with the Gospel lesson on the point of sight. Samuel is reminded that "the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

In this narrative, we are confronted with the notion that God knows better than we do. He does something unexpected, choosing the least likely to fulfill His purposes. The story is told in such a way that we experience Samuel's surprise as each brother is dismissed from the anointing. The lesson that Samuel learns is the lesson that we are to learn.

Among other things, we learn that we are not to judge others. We lack the vision that God has, and are unable to see the heart. Our vision is impaired, for we only see the outward appearance. There is a sense that we are somewhat blind, unable to truly see, as though there was a cloud or fog obscuring our vision. God's ways are higher than our ways, and He alone truly sees the heart.

Psalm 23
I imagine that this Psalm was chosen for this lectionary entry because David references his own anointing. This Psalm is full of lessons which are often overlooked due to its (over)use as a funeral psalm. Some year I'm going to preach on this passage when it comes around, so that we can explore it outside the context of a funeral. In addition to David's anointing, there are lessons here on: discipline and correction, guidance, sabbath rest, and provision. Furthermore, the lessons of comfort during grief may be more easily learned when we are not in the midst of grief.

Ephesians 5:8-14
Out of darkness into His glorious light!

What a radical transformation we undergo when we come into the light of Jesus. The cloud over our vision is at least partially removed, and we are able to see. No longer do we live in darkness, but in light. Paul goes further to suggest that we are now part of the light (perhaps reflecting God's light) and that we are now responsible to shine that light into the darkest corners, exposing the unfruitful works of darkness.

John 9:1-41
It was common belief at the time that physical infirmities were a result of sin, either on the part of the individual or his parents. And yet, this belief reflects the confusion that Samuel had in our Old Testament lesson. Even the disciples made a judgment based upon the outward appearance. The Pharisees saw a physical infirmity and assumed something about the heart.

The narrative concludes with this perplexing interchange:

9:39 Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."

9:40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not blind, are we?"

9:41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains.

Jesus seems to have moved from a discussion on physical blindness to a hard teaching about spiritual blindness. The blind see, but the seeing become blind. Upon hearing this, the Pharisees appear to commit a sin of pride, assuming that they are the ones who can see. Jesus' cryptic response seems to chastise those who lack the integrity to admit their sin.

This theme is highlighted again in First John 1:7-9 -

⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.

⁸If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

May we be reminded of our blindness when we attempt to judge others. May we confess our blindness that we might receive sight. May we confess our sins that we might be purified. May we walk in the light, as He is in the light!

Grace and Peace,

PastorJon