February 27
Bible Reading: John 9:6-12
John 9:10-12, “So they said to him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.’”
During a routine eye exam some years ago, the optometrist found I had a small retina tear. She was so concerned; she called in her superior. They then asked if they could bring some interns so that they could have a look at it too. They scheduled me to have laser surgery as soon as possible. Fortunately, they corrected the issue, though I’ve since had to have my eyes examined yearly. The process of diagnosing and correcting that eye malady cost a lot of time and travel and VA money. Jesus healed the man born bling in an instant with no ophthalmologist training or equipment.
It was an unprecedented miracle that clearly testified to the truth regarding Jesus. When Jesus healed the man born blind, “the works of God (were) displayed in him” (John 9:3). The blind man, his sight having been restored, testified to the unprecedented nature of the miracle: “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind” (John 9:32).
Centuries-old prophecies stated the Messiah would give sight to the blind (Isaiah 35:5). The religious leaders knew of these prophecies. For centuries, they waited for the arrival of their Messiah, but then blindly failed to recognize him when he came.
Though he had previously proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, the imprisoned John the Baptist began to doubt. Jesus was not acting like he expected the Messiah to act. He sent messengers to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another” (Matthew 11:3)? Included in Jesus’ response to John was the fact that “the blind receive their sight” (Matthew 11:5). That Jesus was opening the eyes of the blind was proof positive that He was the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31).
Jesus restored sight to the man born blind, in a miracle that attested to His true identity. Jesus continues to open the eyes of the spiritually blind so that they might trust in Him. John Newton, the former slave-ship captain turned pastor, had his spiritual eyes opened and then went on to faithfully serve Jesus for many years. He wrote about that, saying: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see!” Such is the testimony of all those who have had their eyes opened to the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6)!
Our task in this dark world is to direct the spiritually blind to the One who can open their eyes and enlighten and enliven their souls.
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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