You never know where a conversation with God is going to go! He always sets the agenda. So be open to hear whatever he wants to say to you in this moment. Let's listen from John 12:37-50. You can't read this and not feel God leaning in to engage you. I am drawn to Jesus' words:
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (v. 46)
More profound statements from Jesus about light and darkness. But how do they apply to where you and I are right now? Do you recognize the darkness around you? Are you aware of it? Just a while ago, I was driving home, surfing through the radio stations. A dance song came on that's several years old. It's a picture of an encounter, maybe at a bar or a party. A guy is asking a girl what she's going to do with all her sexy body parts (her "junk in the trunk"), and she says she's going to get him "love-drunk" by "humping" him.
I was struck by the darkness in the song. Teenagers and adults listen to that and imitate it, thinking it's going to be so exciting. And yes, it probably is...for a few minutes while it lasts. They're panting like lizards on a hot rock. But then what? When they're done, they're probably feeling an urge to get away, a sense of disrespect, maybe even a tinge of disgust for each other. There's no lasting happiness. No fulfillment. No real intimacy. They're left hungrier and emptier than before. Darkness. It's just a shadow of love...not the real thing.
Jesus is calling you and me away from those shadows to lift our eyes to the real thing. He wants us to experience true love with the light shining on it. And that kind of love finds its source in God. It takes us straight to the top in a context of adoration, all-out commitment and total self-giving with nothing held back. See, once you've stood in the light and experienced it, you realize how lousy you had it when you were surrounded by the shadows. I love that about Jesus!
Jesus, thank you for teaching me what really makes life good. Thank you for your light. Without it, I flounder around in the shadowlands missing out on the real thing. You, Jesus, are the real deal.
I'd really like to know how God spoke to you through this piece of Scripture. Would you please share it? Comment below. And spread the love! Share this post to your Facebook wall by clicking the "f" icon below. Thanks and God bless you!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Biggest Loser
I come to John twelve today, hungry for a God-encounter. Are you in? Let's read verses 12-36. This gospel account is approaching its climax! What do you see in him? What do you hear Jesus saying to you here?
"...now the prince of this world will be driven out." (v. 31)
Satan is powerful enemy but a defeated one. He is the biggest loser in the history of the cosmos. Everything that happens in this text is leading up to the cross, just a few days later. In less than a week, Jesus goes from being hailed as the new king to being lifted up on a cross to die a criminal's death. One day they toss palm branches before him and shout praises. Five days later it's their saliva they fling at him as they yell insults. It looks like Satan has totally turned the tide and won the day. The truth, it turns out, is quite the opposite. Satan's illusory victory was, in fact, the decisive assault on his pseudo-rule of this world.
"But I when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself." (v. 32)
The glory of Jesus shines most brightly not on Palm Sunday as the crowd adores him, but on Good Friday when they kill him. He wasn't here to be a rock star. He came to lay down his life to rescue the world. His glory (and mine) isn't in self-promotion. It is in his self-sacrifice for the good of others. In this totally selfless act of courage and love, he exposes the weakness of hatred. Jesus will bear humiliation on the cross, but not for long. The devil's humiliation is permanent.
I'm so glad I'm on the right side! I won't be intimidated by the devil and anything he tries to throw at me. Neither will I fall for his illusions, as if I would trade real life for his empty shadows. Like Gadhafi, he hasn't conceded defeat. He's still raging and fuming and blowing hot air. But I know, and so do you, my friend, that his regime is doomed. A new day has dawned. The brilliant kingdom of God is growing on the horizon. With Jesus, I am victorious!
Share your comments below and enrich our conversation! It doesn't take half a minute to share this post to your Facebook wall and spread the Good News! (Click the "f" button below.)
"...now the prince of this world will be driven out." (v. 31)
Satan is powerful enemy but a defeated one. He is the biggest loser in the history of the cosmos. Everything that happens in this text is leading up to the cross, just a few days later. In less than a week, Jesus goes from being hailed as the new king to being lifted up on a cross to die a criminal's death. One day they toss palm branches before him and shout praises. Five days later it's their saliva they fling at him as they yell insults. It looks like Satan has totally turned the tide and won the day. The truth, it turns out, is quite the opposite. Satan's illusory victory was, in fact, the decisive assault on his pseudo-rule of this world.
"But I when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to myself." (v. 32)
The glory of Jesus shines most brightly not on Palm Sunday as the crowd adores him, but on Good Friday when they kill him. He wasn't here to be a rock star. He came to lay down his life to rescue the world. His glory (and mine) isn't in self-promotion. It is in his self-sacrifice for the good of others. In this totally selfless act of courage and love, he exposes the weakness of hatred. Jesus will bear humiliation on the cross, but not for long. The devil's humiliation is permanent.
I'm so glad I'm on the right side! I won't be intimidated by the devil and anything he tries to throw at me. Neither will I fall for his illusions, as if I would trade real life for his empty shadows. Like Gadhafi, he hasn't conceded defeat. He's still raging and fuming and blowing hot air. But I know, and so do you, my friend, that his regime is doomed. A new day has dawned. The brilliant kingdom of God is growing on the horizon. With Jesus, I am victorious!
Share your comments below and enrich our conversation! It doesn't take half a minute to share this post to your Facebook wall and spread the Good News! (Click the "f" button below.)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Real Men Love Jesus
Hello! I hope you're having a good day. In any case, it's about to get better! At least, that's the way it goes for me when I hear a word from God. So today, I invite you to take in the first eleven verses of John chapter twelve. This is a short but poignant account of how one woman showed her love for Jesus. Okay, I'm a man, but I'm not ashamed to say I love Jesus. Real men do! How about you? Sometimes I wonder how I can really show him. Maybe I can learn something about what makes him feel loved from this story.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. (v. 3)
This, by the way, is not Jesus' mother or Mary Magdelene, but the sister of Lazarus (see yesterday's blog). There are three qualities about her demonstration of love that jump out at me. First, it was a costly act. The text explains that it was worth a whole year's salary for a common worker! Even if Mary was fairly well-to-do, she really made a significant sacrifice. When you really love someone, you'll do things like that on occasion just because you want to show them how much they mean to you. I think of the kind of sacrifices that people make for their lovers, or that parents make to provide their children with something really special. It's a sacrifice, but it's done with great delight!
Second, it occurs to me that her action is a good example of reckless love. It wasn't considered proper in ancient Jewish society for a woman to let down her hair in public. Eyebrows were certainly raised at the dinner party! But Mary doesn't seem to care. She's caught up in a moment, and it's as if there's nobody else in the room but Jesus and her. Love will do that to you! It can be a little reckless and lavish. The reaction of the one you love means more to you than anyone else's reaction.
Third, she made Jesus feel loved by her authentic humility. Tending to someone's feet is, well, a humble task. I can testify that clipping my nine-year-old son's toenails certainly brings me back down to earth! In Mary's culture, tending to others' feet was servant's work. (And she's apparently a fairly wealthy woman and the host of this social event.) Yet her love and respect for Jesus are so moving that she falls to his feet in the most humble display of love I can imagine.
So how can I show Jesus how much he means to me? I bet if I am willing to make some significant sacrifices in his name and be a little lavish and reckless about it, at times, and serve him with the utmost respect and humility and give without any pretense, Jesus is going to feel deeply loved by me. And that will make me very happy!
God bless you! I hope that you'll share what you hear God saying to you in this story. Just sign in and comment below. Spread the blessing of this blog to people you know by sharing it on your Facebook page (click "f" below).
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. (v. 3)
This, by the way, is not Jesus' mother or Mary Magdelene, but the sister of Lazarus (see yesterday's blog). There are three qualities about her demonstration of love that jump out at me. First, it was a costly act. The text explains that it was worth a whole year's salary for a common worker! Even if Mary was fairly well-to-do, she really made a significant sacrifice. When you really love someone, you'll do things like that on occasion just because you want to show them how much they mean to you. I think of the kind of sacrifices that people make for their lovers, or that parents make to provide their children with something really special. It's a sacrifice, but it's done with great delight!
Second, it occurs to me that her action is a good example of reckless love. It wasn't considered proper in ancient Jewish society for a woman to let down her hair in public. Eyebrows were certainly raised at the dinner party! But Mary doesn't seem to care. She's caught up in a moment, and it's as if there's nobody else in the room but Jesus and her. Love will do that to you! It can be a little reckless and lavish. The reaction of the one you love means more to you than anyone else's reaction.
Third, she made Jesus feel loved by her authentic humility. Tending to someone's feet is, well, a humble task. I can testify that clipping my nine-year-old son's toenails certainly brings me back down to earth! In Mary's culture, tending to others' feet was servant's work. (And she's apparently a fairly wealthy woman and the host of this social event.) Yet her love and respect for Jesus are so moving that she falls to his feet in the most humble display of love I can imagine.
So how can I show Jesus how much he means to me? I bet if I am willing to make some significant sacrifices in his name and be a little lavish and reckless about it, at times, and serve him with the utmost respect and humility and give without any pretense, Jesus is going to feel deeply loved by me. And that will make me very happy!
God bless you! I hope that you'll share what you hear God saying to you in this story. Just sign in and comment below. Spread the blessing of this blog to people you know by sharing it on your Facebook page (click "f" below).
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A Lesson in Belief
Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! I, Michele, am with you this morning and want to explore Chapter 11 of the book of John with you. This is the wonderful story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by our miraculous Savior. I love this story! Give it a read and see what God has to say to you personally. I have read this story many times but I now understand some of the emotion experienced by the characters. This is what pops out at me:
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (v. 21)
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." (v. 32)
Notice back in verse 6 the text states that Jesus stayed where he was for 2 days before going to Judea (where Lazarus was) even after being told that Lazarus was very sick. I think both Mary and Martha were a little perturbed that Jesus waited for so long before coming. They were both positive that Jesus could have healed Lazarus' illness. How dare him! He was a close friend of Lazarus and did not immediately come to his aid. I don't think you and I are much different from Mary and Martha. I know I'm that way. I want Jesus to come to my aid as soon as I need him and not a minute later! Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wonder why God waits and takes his sweet time when you are in such dire need? Why do you suppose?
If we go back to verse 4 we are told why:
But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus' sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this."
I think Jesus wanted to do a little showing off here. Or....was there more to this? Why wait? He could have healed him instantly even from far away. Was this a test in belief? At a time like this??
Jesus wants complete trust from every one of his followers. He wants to show us his glory and he often chooses times of tragedy to show himself the biggest. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, "....'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' " I can't think of a time when one might be weaker than when they've lost a loved one.
Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?" (v. 40)
And so he simply raised Lazarus from the dead. What an amazing miracle! Even bigger than if he would have healed his illness before he died, don't you think? I wish this text would have gone on the explain the reaction of those who saw this. It obviously isn't important enough for us to know but I imagine there would be lots of fear and subsequent falling at Jesus' feet in praise. It would be hard not to believe after seeing a miracle like that! Isn't our Lord brilliant?
I'm quite positive that there are people in your life who need to understand the saving power of our Lord and Savior. How about sharing this story with them and inviting them to read this blog on a daily basis? It just might be exactly what they need.
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (v. 21)
When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." (v. 32)
Notice back in verse 6 the text states that Jesus stayed where he was for 2 days before going to Judea (where Lazarus was) even after being told that Lazarus was very sick. I think both Mary and Martha were a little perturbed that Jesus waited for so long before coming. They were both positive that Jesus could have healed Lazarus' illness. How dare him! He was a close friend of Lazarus and did not immediately come to his aid. I don't think you and I are much different from Mary and Martha. I know I'm that way. I want Jesus to come to my aid as soon as I need him and not a minute later! Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wonder why God waits and takes his sweet time when you are in such dire need? Why do you suppose?
If we go back to verse 4 we are told why:
But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus' sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this."
I think Jesus wanted to do a little showing off here. Or....was there more to this? Why wait? He could have healed him instantly even from far away. Was this a test in belief? At a time like this??
Jesus wants complete trust from every one of his followers. He wants to show us his glory and he often chooses times of tragedy to show himself the biggest. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, "....'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' " I can't think of a time when one might be weaker than when they've lost a loved one.
Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?" (v. 40)
And so he simply raised Lazarus from the dead. What an amazing miracle! Even bigger than if he would have healed his illness before he died, don't you think? I wish this text would have gone on the explain the reaction of those who saw this. It obviously isn't important enough for us to know but I imagine there would be lots of fear and subsequent falling at Jesus' feet in praise. It would be hard not to believe after seeing a miracle like that! Isn't our Lord brilliant?
I'm quite positive that there are people in your life who need to understand the saving power of our Lord and Savior. How about sharing this story with them and inviting them to read this blog on a daily basis? It just might be exactly what they need.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Receiving His Peace
Welcome back, my friend! Let's get our hearts ready to have a conversation with God. The preparation to listen is as important as the listening. When I rush I don't hear him well. Quiet your mind. To hear a word from God that speaks to you personally is worth the time.
Now let's read from the Bible, John 10:22 through the end of the chapter. These are the words of God. Don't skip them to read my thoughts. It's not long, so read it again, even more thoughtfully. What are you hearing?
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. (v. 27-28)
This is one of those pronouncements Jesus made that just resonates in my spirit. I'm supposing that is because I am prone to feeling vulnerable and at times insecure. What lies ahead? The world throws a lot at us. The devil has me in his crosshairs. He would relish my downfall and demise. Add to that all the fear-provoking news that the media splatters all over the airwaves: The economy is teetering. Jobs are scarce. Political unrest seems to be escalating. Terrorism hasn't gone away with the death of Bin Laden. Even the movies want to scare us about whatever they can...and we even pay them to do it! Lately, its fear that some world-wide plague might take us all down.
We're a fearful lot, we humans. And there is plenty to worry about it...if you choose to do that. And let's face it, the whole "No Fear" logo thing is kind of funny. It's not peace; it's just apathy. You can opt out of fear by convincing yourself that you just don't care what happens. But me, I'd rather have real peace. And Jesus gives it in full supply.
Because I listen to his voice and know him personally, I don't have to be afraid. He has given me eternal life. My flame cannot be extinguished. The kind of life I have come to know in Christ nothing can take away. Even physical death can only transition it from its present expression to an even better one.
Jesus has me in his hand, and he's not letting go. Satan himself will try his best to tear me away from him but without success. My sinfulness troubles me but I feel the grip of divine grace. The world will threaten me but I know it can't destroy me. I have Jesus' word on that! My entire security rests not on my meager shoulders but on the mighty strength of my Deliverer. So you know what? I'm claiming that promise and enjoying some real peace. How about you?
If you'd like some further encouragement from God about letting go of your fear, watch the following video of a message I gave at One Life Church: Falling Forward: Fear
Spread the peace around. Share this post on your Facebook wall (click the "f" button below). And let us in on what you heard from Jesus as he spoke to you today. Sign in and comment below.
Now let's read from the Bible, John 10:22 through the end of the chapter. These are the words of God. Don't skip them to read my thoughts. It's not long, so read it again, even more thoughtfully. What are you hearing?
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. (v. 27-28)
This is one of those pronouncements Jesus made that just resonates in my spirit. I'm supposing that is because I am prone to feeling vulnerable and at times insecure. What lies ahead? The world throws a lot at us. The devil has me in his crosshairs. He would relish my downfall and demise. Add to that all the fear-provoking news that the media splatters all over the airwaves: The economy is teetering. Jobs are scarce. Political unrest seems to be escalating. Terrorism hasn't gone away with the death of Bin Laden. Even the movies want to scare us about whatever they can...and we even pay them to do it! Lately, its fear that some world-wide plague might take us all down.
We're a fearful lot, we humans. And there is plenty to worry about it...if you choose to do that. And let's face it, the whole "No Fear" logo thing is kind of funny. It's not peace; it's just apathy. You can opt out of fear by convincing yourself that you just don't care what happens. But me, I'd rather have real peace. And Jesus gives it in full supply.
Because I listen to his voice and know him personally, I don't have to be afraid. He has given me eternal life. My flame cannot be extinguished. The kind of life I have come to know in Christ nothing can take away. Even physical death can only transition it from its present expression to an even better one.
Jesus has me in his hand, and he's not letting go. Satan himself will try his best to tear me away from him but without success. My sinfulness troubles me but I feel the grip of divine grace. The world will threaten me but I know it can't destroy me. I have Jesus' word on that! My entire security rests not on my meager shoulders but on the mighty strength of my Deliverer. So you know what? I'm claiming that promise and enjoying some real peace. How about you?
If you'd like some further encouragement from God about letting go of your fear, watch the following video of a message I gave at One Life Church: Falling Forward: Fear
Spread the peace around. Share this post on your Facebook wall (click the "f" button below). And let us in on what you heard from Jesus as he spoke to you today. Sign in and comment below.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Lead On
A very happy Friday to you! A great weekend starts with a conversation with the God who loves us. So grab your coffee or your soft drink and let's settle in for a visit with Jesus from John 10:1-21. As you listen to what he says, imagine that he is talking directly to you. Ask yourself how you should think or act based on what he says.
I love this metaphor Jesus uses of himself as the Good Shepherd.
...the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (v. 3-4)
This is a picture of familiarity and complete trust. I hear Jesus saying that this is what he wants in our relationship. I need to listen to him so that I can recognize his voice when I hear it. I want to know Jesus well enough that I know his heart. Then I can discern what is from him and what is not.
But life is pretty simple in this picture Jesus paints. It's about knowing him, absorbing his teaching and following his lead. It's not really complicated at all. The only difficulty lies in wanting this relationship and all that it brings badly enough to surrender my right to steer my own life. Once I want Jesus' leadership badly enough, it really is just about spending time with him and going where he leads me.
Now that can sound a little intimidating, too. Because what if he leads me somewhere or into a situation that is uncomfortable? I am hearing him loud and clear this morning speaking this to my heart:
...he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him...
He goes on ahead of me. He takes the turn before I do. Wherever I end up, he's already there waiting on me. He doesn't just send me out. He leads me out. The difference is huge. I've got to trust that however rough the terrain may be that he leads me through, I face no threat alone. And the place we're heading is going to be green and lush. He's the Good Shepherd. He loves me enough that he laid down his life to save me. And he took up his life again so that he can continue to lead and protect me.
Jesus, lead on. I'm right behind you.
So what's keeping you from trusting him to lead you? Share it with us in the comments section below.
I love this metaphor Jesus uses of himself as the Good Shepherd.
...the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (v. 3-4)
This is a picture of familiarity and complete trust. I hear Jesus saying that this is what he wants in our relationship. I need to listen to him so that I can recognize his voice when I hear it. I want to know Jesus well enough that I know his heart. Then I can discern what is from him and what is not.
But life is pretty simple in this picture Jesus paints. It's about knowing him, absorbing his teaching and following his lead. It's not really complicated at all. The only difficulty lies in wanting this relationship and all that it brings badly enough to surrender my right to steer my own life. Once I want Jesus' leadership badly enough, it really is just about spending time with him and going where he leads me.
Now that can sound a little intimidating, too. Because what if he leads me somewhere or into a situation that is uncomfortable? I am hearing him loud and clear this morning speaking this to my heart:
...he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him...
He goes on ahead of me. He takes the turn before I do. Wherever I end up, he's already there waiting on me. He doesn't just send me out. He leads me out. The difference is huge. I've got to trust that however rough the terrain may be that he leads me through, I face no threat alone. And the place we're heading is going to be green and lush. He's the Good Shepherd. He loves me enough that he laid down his life to save me. And he took up his life again so that he can continue to lead and protect me.
Jesus, lead on. I'm right behind you.
So what's keeping you from trusting him to lead you? Share it with us in the comments section below.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Open the Eyes of My Heart
That was such an encouraging post from Michele yesterday about what a real relationship with Jesus is! Today we're in for a treat as we read the dramatic story John the Apostle tells in chapter nine. It reads like a play with six scenes. You've got to take it in! Check your spiritual vision. There's a lot more going on here beneath the surface.
The spotlight in this passage is on the man who became a follower of Jesus. He stands as a model of what it means to come to faith. What John is portraying is a common experience of disciples. He was certainly telling this story for the benefit of the church of his own day. As they listened to this story they couldn’t help but see themselves. They too had been healed by Jesus, blessed by him, and after that found themselves arguing with old friends, facing challenges and hostility to their new faith, being pushed out of the circles they once belonged, distanced by their families.
Now, in this story of a blind man who suffered the same things, they see Jesus seeking them out to affirm them, acting on his promise that “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive out” (6.37). They found encouragement to stand strong in their belief and worship him (v. 38). That same encouragement echoes down through centuries to us as we live in a strange new world where Christian faith that used to be the norm is once again moving towards the fringes.
But here's the pearl for me today:
His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (v. 3)
All his life he had been blind. He had never seen the light of day. His blindness had gone on and on, affecting every aspect of his life. I have to believe that there were many moments during those decades in the dark that he asked himself the same accusing questions that the disciples did. Yet it all led up to this moment when he would meet Jesus and receive his sight and so much more. If he hadn’t been born blind, he might have been one of the crowd who picked up stones to throw at Jesus in the temple (8:59). He might have chimed right in with his skeptical neighbors (v. 8-9). He might have had eyes that could see but not his spiritual eyes, not the eyes of his heart.
What are you struggling with? Is there something that seems to be the curse of your life? I think about things that I've been through that have left a limp in my step. What have you laid awake thinking about and wondering why God let this storm front dump its fury on your life? Has it seemed to go on forever, leaving you feeling like life has passed you by?
Could it be this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in my life? in yours? Whether it’s through healing or resolving that situation in a powerful way to bring him praise. Or whether it’s through that situation that he opens my spiritual eyes wider or gives my heart the capacity to receive his love more intimately and share it. Maybe it’s through that "curse" that God leads you or me into the ministry of your life, to help others in similar places but who don’t have the God resources.
After Jesus says that this blindness happened so that the work of God might be displayed in the man's life, he goes on to add:
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (v. 4)
The work of God is done in us so that it can then be done through us. The healing work of God is displayed in blind man’s life, bringing him to faith, not just so he can become a worshipper, but so that he can then step in behind Jesus as a disciple and join him in doing the healing work of God. Through what seemed like a curse on his life, first God’s grace and power is on display and then his love and his way of giving himself for others. In whatever shape or form it takes, that’s his plan for all of us! So, how open are your eyes?
Like this blind man, your story of Jesus' touch on your life is powerful too. Share it! Your comments are always appreciated.
The spotlight in this passage is on the man who became a follower of Jesus. He stands as a model of what it means to come to faith. What John is portraying is a common experience of disciples. He was certainly telling this story for the benefit of the church of his own day. As they listened to this story they couldn’t help but see themselves. They too had been healed by Jesus, blessed by him, and after that found themselves arguing with old friends, facing challenges and hostility to their new faith, being pushed out of the circles they once belonged, distanced by their families.
Now, in this story of a blind man who suffered the same things, they see Jesus seeking them out to affirm them, acting on his promise that “Anyone who comes to me I will never drive out” (6.37). They found encouragement to stand strong in their belief and worship him (v. 38). That same encouragement echoes down through centuries to us as we live in a strange new world where Christian faith that used to be the norm is once again moving towards the fringes.
But here's the pearl for me today:
His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." (v. 3)
All his life he had been blind. He had never seen the light of day. His blindness had gone on and on, affecting every aspect of his life. I have to believe that there were many moments during those decades in the dark that he asked himself the same accusing questions that the disciples did. Yet it all led up to this moment when he would meet Jesus and receive his sight and so much more. If he hadn’t been born blind, he might have been one of the crowd who picked up stones to throw at Jesus in the temple (8:59). He might have chimed right in with his skeptical neighbors (v. 8-9). He might have had eyes that could see but not his spiritual eyes, not the eyes of his heart.
What are you struggling with? Is there something that seems to be the curse of your life? I think about things that I've been through that have left a limp in my step. What have you laid awake thinking about and wondering why God let this storm front dump its fury on your life? Has it seemed to go on forever, leaving you feeling like life has passed you by?
Could it be this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in my life? in yours? Whether it’s through healing or resolving that situation in a powerful way to bring him praise. Or whether it’s through that situation that he opens my spiritual eyes wider or gives my heart the capacity to receive his love more intimately and share it. Maybe it’s through that "curse" that God leads you or me into the ministry of your life, to help others in similar places but who don’t have the God resources.
After Jesus says that this blindness happened so that the work of God might be displayed in the man's life, he goes on to add:
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (v. 4)
The work of God is done in us so that it can then be done through us. The healing work of God is displayed in blind man’s life, bringing him to faith, not just so he can become a worshipper, but so that he can then step in behind Jesus as a disciple and join him in doing the healing work of God. Through what seemed like a curse on his life, first God’s grace and power is on display and then his love and his way of giving himself for others. In whatever shape or form it takes, that’s his plan for all of us! So, how open are your eyes?
Like this blind man, your story of Jesus' touch on your life is powerful too. Share it! Your comments are always appreciated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)