Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 3-4; John 9
Devotional Thought:
It is amazing how critical we can be regarding others. Here is a blind man begging for his livelihood and the disciples are concluding that his blindness is due to sin. “Did he or his parents sin?” was the question that they asked Jesus. Oh how sad it is that we are so quick to judge. They did not see the need or try to meet the need, because they were too busy criticizing his condition. Jesus was quick to answer the question and rebuke the judgmental attitude of His disciples. “Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (vs. 3) Some things happen to people so God can be glorified through their responses to difficult circumstances. There was a book I read a long time ago entitled, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It was a good reminder that we live in a sin cursed world where difficult circumstances are faced by the just and unjust alike. Both good people and wicked people get cancer, have heart attacks, lose jobs, and all kinds of other problems. However, another reason God allows some people to face challenges is so His grace, strength, and wisdom can shine forth and His name can be glorified. This man was blind His whole life just so one day Jesus could come by and show His power, love, and grace. How do you approach difficult situations in your life? Do you see them as an opportunity to show the glory of God? Are we committed to showing those who are watching the marvelous grace, mercy, love, and wisdom of God? I am fearful that too many times we get selfish and miss an opportunity to praise God. I am fearful that too many Christians look at other Christians who are handed a trial to bear and conclude they are being chastened when in reality they are being trusted! Is it possible that we conclude with a critical spirit because we know God could not trust us with that trial; therefore, in our self righteous spirit we conclude they are not being trusted either? It is a special thing to be trusted by God to suffer for His sake. May we commit to trusting God more with the trials He allows into our lives and with the trials He allows in others. This chapter reveals how the hypocritical and unsaved Pharisees responded to this exciting event, but how tragic when Christians respond the same way. I love the conclusion of this story. This man was thrown out of the temple, but Jesus found him and gave him so much more than he had in this life. He gave to him everlasting life! Hallelujah, What a Savior!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help to trust you with each trial that you bring into my life. I know you have a Divine purpose and I can trust you to be glorified in them if I will trust and obey.
• Lord, please help me to be a help and never a hindrance to those who are trusted with trials. May I come along side them and help the name of Jesus to be exalted in their lives.
• Lord, thank you for loving me, saving me, and helping me navigate this life for your glory.