John 9:1-4
It’s Time to Clock In
Introduction: When I attended seminary I use to have a job as a front desk clerk at a hotel called The Colony Parke Hotel. At this job we had a time clock, and when it was time for my shift to start I would I always say to myself, it’s time to clock in. The purpose of this sermon today is to tell some person who does not know Christ that it is time clock in. To that person who does know Christ was, but you are sitting idol, to you I say, “It’s Time to Clock In.”
One of the main purposes of John’s gospel is to bring the reader to faith. He works miracles for the express purpose of getting others to believe that he is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He turned water into wine to get people to believe. He healed an official’s son to bring people to a point of faith in Him. He fed 5000 and walked on water to get people to believe. We now come to another situation where Jesus will display his power and his claim as the Son of God.
Jesus is on his way out of the temple because there are some people out to get him due to his claim as God’s Son. As he is leaving the temple he passes by a blind man and his disciples ask him a question trying to find out why this man is in the shape he’s in-his fault or his parents’ fault. He says neither, but that the works of God could be put on display. It is here where we will look at 1) the person responsible for the job; 2) the nature of the job; and 3) the urgency of the job.
I. The Person for the Job
• (v.1) …he saw a man… - Always observant; aware of an opportunity to serve; some people try to dodge work
• (v.4) The person for the job takes it personal. He says, “I”. He does not shift the responsibility. This walk with God…this service to God is personal. This business of Christian discipleship is a personal commitment.
• Are you the person for the job? Yes, but you have to make the commitment. No one can make it for you.
II. The Nature of the Job
• (v.4) It is active work…you are busy
• Jesus uses the word “must” which is indicative that there is a need
• It’s not just anyone who is employing Him…Jesus says, “The works of Him that sent me…”
• I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
III. The Urgency of the Job
• The word “must” is in the imperative which can be assumed that it is in the present tense and active voice.
• It is necessary that I do it. This work has to be done.
• “WHILE,” C.B.T. Smith, pastor emeritus of the Golden Gate Church, says, “We don’t know how long ‘WHILE’ is.” Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek ye the Lord WHILE he may be found, call upon him, WHILE he is near.”
• Ps. 63:4, “Thus I will bless the WHILE I live; I will lift up my hands in thy name.
• Ps. 104:33, “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God WHILE I have my being.”
• Jn. 12:35, “Walk WHILE ye have light.”
Conclusion: In this life God is a God of balance…black/white; right/wrong; up/down…I remembered not only did I CLOCK IN, but there was a time I had to CLOCK OUT. So it is with what Jesus says, “for the night comes when no man can work.” “It is appointed unto man once to die but after this the judgment.
But sure as you CLOCK IN and CLOCK OUT…there is a PAY DAY.
