Today's Reading: Old Testament: Exodus 25-26
New Testament: John 9
Focus Verses: John 9:1-5
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
Insight:
When the disciples see a man dealing with blindness, they ask Jesus a question that betrays their incredibly simplistic view of God and suffering. The man was blind so they assumed it was a punishment from God. They just wondered who exactly God was punishing, the man himself or his parents? Jesus answer indicates that the man's blindness has nothing whatsoever to do with sin. It wasn't something God had done to judge, but it WAS something God could undo as a display of his redemptive power and will to save.
Response and Action:
When things go wrong do I jump to the simplistic conclusion that it is somehow a judgement from God? While it is always good to consider how problems I face may be consequences from sin or errors on my part, it doesn't make sense to interpret every problem or hardship as some punishment from God. Sometimes hardships are just part of living in an imperfect world. Every hardship and weakness is an opportunity for God to display his redemptive and saving power in my life.
O God, you know the hardships and weaknesses I'm dealing with today. Help me to discern the difference between the consequences of sin and the ordinary hardships of life. In every weakness and need, I turn to you, O Lord, asking you to display your saving power to redeem and transform. Amen.
Proverbs: 17:3
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
Resources:
Glorious Intruder: God's Presence in Life's Chaos
by Joni Eareckson Tada
