CORINTH

Sermon Notes

 

Orthokeratology!

March 15, 2026

(1 Samuel 16:1-13, John 9:1-11)

 

     My vision has been quite poor since I was a little kid, which explains why I’ve worn glasses or contacts most of my life.  This is where our sermon title comes in; orthokeratology is a non-surgical procedure using specialized contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the corneas, which improves vision for the next day.  These lenses must be worn nightly, or the cornea will return to its original shape, meaning vision becomes fuzzy again. This word, orthokeratology, is appropriate for us this morning since both scripture passages are related to vision. 

     From the 1 Samuel passage, Samuel’s vision is challenged.  God has sent him to the house of Jesse to anoint who would become the next King of Israel.  Jesse parades his older, impressive sons in front of Samuel, yet God informs him none of these strapping sons will do.  Instead, it’s the youngest son, David, the runt of the litter so to speak, who God chooses, reminding us of v. 7 “Do not look at his appearance or on his stature, for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”   God is directing Jesse to change his vision, to look at young David differently.

     From the gospel reading, Jesus works to restore physical vision as he ministers to a blind man.  Yet along with physical vision, spiritual vision is addressed by Jesus as well.  What did this man do to deserve this, or maybe it was something his parents did?  is the sentiment addressed to Jesus.  The pharisee’s vision of Jesus needs work as well.  After today’s passage we find the religious authorities criticizing Jesus for having dared heal on the Sabbath.  Certainly, this Jesus could not be a man of God if he breaks the Law, working on the sabbath!  Jesus id at odds with the Pharisees often, pointing out they seem to worship the Law rather than the One who inspired it.  Their worship is misplaced.

     We are called to change our vision, the way we see people and circumstances.  Instead of judging others as inferior (as was the case with Samuel’s view of David,) our transformed vision has us seeing all as beloved children of God, full of holy potential.  We are to not limit our opportunities for ministry because of man-made boundaries, instead we follow Jesus’ example of offering acts of love without limitations.

     As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, may our vision be changed and transformed!