God revealed (1)

'How did this guy end up blind? Did he sin? Did his parents sin?' That's what Jesus' disciples asked him when they encountered a man blind from birth. Jesus' answer surprised them: 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned' (John 9:3 NIV).

Now, Jesus isn't claiming this guy is free from sin. He's aware that we all sin. So, what's he getting at? Well, the disciples assumed that suffering is the direct result of sin somewhere along the line. Must be his fault. Or his parents'. It's the only explanation. But Jesus says, 'This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him' (John 9:3 NIV). Rather than pointing the finger, jumping to conclusions or looking for causal connections, Jesus is setting their attitude straight. He doesn't answer their question - he changes it. Instead of 'Whose fault is this?' Jesus wants them to ask, 'What can we do to heal it?' He's pointing out the need to see suffering as a moment to reveal God's glory.

It can be tough to find God in painful situations. But Jesus puts it into perspective again, 'As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me' (John 9:4-5 NIV). Whatever the situation, Jesus can be found in it. Let's look for opportunities for his glory to shine through and keep finger-pointing or assumptions to a minimum.



So what now? Who do you know who's going through tough stuff? Pray with them. Pray specifically that God's glory would come from the situation.





— SCRIPTURE —

'That the works of God might be revealed in him.' John 9:2 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Zech 1-4, John 20:10-18, Ps 57, Pro 30:24-28