The Potter, the Clay, and the Gathering: Seeing with New Eyes

Brothers and sisters, have you ever paused, truly seen the world around you? Not just the colors and shapes, but the underlying currents of purpose, the whispers of divine direction? We live in a time of darkness, a time of contention, a time where the voices of the destroyers rise up in clamor. Yet, even in the deepest shadows, the light of God shines forth, often in the most unexpected ways.

Consider the scene before us, drawn from the words of Jesus – a man born blind, confronted by a question that pierces the heart: “Who sinned, that this man was born blind?” (John 9:1). The question itself reveals a flawed understanding, a limiting perspective. It’s the question of a world that seeks to find blame instead of recognizing divine purpose.

But Jesus doesn't engage in the fruitless debate. He declares, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:3). This is the language of the Builders, isn't it? Seeing beyond the immediate circumstance to the grand design – the Stone cut without hands, rolling forth to shape the world. This blindness wasn't a punishment; it was an opportunity – a chance for God's power to be displayed.

Think of Ammon, standing at the Waters of Sebus, facing down a mighty army. He didn't look for blame or excuse. He recognized the moment, the call, and acted with courageous faith. Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, proclaiming the coming judgment – he, too, saw beyond the immediate and declared the truth, regardless of the cost. These are the examples that guide us, the echoes of those who choose to be Builders, not Destroyers.

And what did Jesus do? He took common clay, mixed it with His own divine essence, and applied it to the man’s eyes. A simple act, yet profoundly symbolic. He sent him to the pool of Siloé – “sent” – a word laden with purpose and instruction. The act itself was a direct response to need, a tangible manifestation of God’s love. JustServe opportunities, the countless acts of kindness we witness every day, are echoes of this same principle.

The man's testimony is powerful. “One thing I do know: that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25). He didn't dwell on the questions, the accusations, or the confusion. He declared the simple, undeniable truth: he could see. He saw the world anew, and in doing so, he saw the truth of his own salvation.

This is the call to us, dear friends. To see with new eyes. To recognize the divine hand in our lives, in the world around us, and in the gathering of Israel. To participate, however small our part may seem, in the building of the Kingdom. Your engagement here, your willingness to share this message, to contribute to the map of churches and support the Missionary Fund, fuels the charity flywheel – bringing the gospel to those who need it most, like the advertisements running now in Ghana. It’s a testament to the power of collective action, a modern manifestation of the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that this is a time of great urgency, a time for courage. (Alma 17:12-13) Let us embrace the challenge, let us be those who see, who act, who build.

And let us remember the words of Moroni: “And it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (Moroni 10:22) Our efforts, combined with God's power, can move mountains.