Today’s Reading: John 9:1-7
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.’”
* * * * *
As Jesus and his disciples passed by a man born blind, they asked the Lord a question based on a popular assumption of that day. They wondered if the man was blind because of his sin or his parents’ sin. They believed wrongly that all human suffering is somehow connected to a person’s sin.
Their question was well-intentioned. They didn’t want to connect the Father with being the source of evil. They wanted to blame human suffering on sin, not the Father in heaven.
But Jesus needed to correct their thinking. His life is an example that shows that not all suffering is connected to sin. He was perfect and sinless in every way, yet he experienced excruciating pain, rejection, grief, and agony during his life on earth and on the cross.
Jesus told the disciples this man wasn’t born blind because of his sin or his parents’ sin. Rather, the Father in heaven had permitted this so his power and glory might be displayed through him.
What does this mean? Sometimes, God, in his mysterious providence, permits suffering that has no relation to sin. He does this so people can experience and see the Father’s extraordinary grace, mercy, and power delivering them from evil.
Yes, some suffering is caused by your sin. You may be paying the consequences for some bad choices you’ve made. Perhaps you broke the Father’s moral law. There are consequences when we live life against his will.
Or perhaps someone else hurt you by no fault of your own. We live connected to one another. There is a necessary interdependence in this world. Consequently, someone else’s bad choices can hurt us. Or maybe you just made a foolish mistake and are paying for it.
Whatever you may be going through today, trust Jesus. Know that he is a deliverer. He loves to show his power to people who are weak. He enjoys giving strength to weak hands and buckling knees. He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He has compassion on your suffering. He comforts you in all your troubles. There’s purpose in the pain.
If you believe this, you have the privilege of seeing him use evil for good. It gives you an opportunity to glorify him with greater gusto and zeal.
Jesus promised that he will share in your sufferings. His humanity allowed him to know what you are experiencing, feel what you are feeling. He mourns and cries with you. As you hurt, he hurts.
But he will never forsake you. His death and resurrection conquered all sin, suffering, and death.
Draw near to him today. He promises he will draw near to you.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]