JESUS SPEAKING
Now as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. (John 9: 1 – 7)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
According to the prevailing sentiment of the first century, the disciples believed that all deformity and dysfunction were the result of an individual’s own sinful behaviors. Thus they sought to discover who’s sin had caused the man’s condition. Jesus insisted that his blindness wasn’t the consequence of any sin; but instead, had arisen as an opportunity for God to accomplish a miraculous feat of divine healing. His eyes were made whole again so that others might observe God’s power and embrace a faithful existence. In this life, the things that initially appear the most challenging or tragic, are frequently used by God to bring Him the greatest glory.
In the Old Testament, we are introduced to a man named Joseph (one of Jacob’s twelve sons.) He was highly favored above his siblings. This favoritism provoked his brothers to jealousy and hatred. One day they bound Joseph and sold him into slavery in Egypt. They then lied to their father, claiming he had been killed by a wild animal. Joseph served as a slave in Egypt for many years; enduring numerous trials and tribulations. After being falsely accused of a crime, he is sentenced to prison; where he remains a faithful servant. By means of divine providence, he impresses Pharaoh with his ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh then promotes Joseph to the highest position of authority in Egypt. When a terrible famine strikes the land, Jacob and his family begin to suffer. He sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain, where they soon encounter Joseph; the brother they had sold into bondage many years earlier. Their evil deed is eventually revealed to Jacob, who is reunited with his lost son. Due to the devastating famine, Joseph has his entire family relocated to Egypt; thus ensuring their survival. He forgives his brothers for their mistreatment saying, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”
Like Joseph, we may encounter moments of tragedy and tribulation; and yet, unlike God, we cannot see the end from the beginning. Our adversities and struggles often arise, not as a punishment, but rather, as an opportunity to observe some divine achievement. As we overcome our trials, and God’s perfect will is accomplished, our victories become a testimony concerning the power, the honor, and the glory of our Heavenly Father; to whom all authority remains forever.
“Lord Heavenly Father, apart from You we can do nothing; but with You, we can accomplish wonderful things. As others witness Your miracles being accomplished in our lives, may they be healed, forgiven, transformed and reborn; according to the measure of Your faithfulness. You truly are an awesome and amazing God. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 