Aches and Praise Five Hundred & Twenty Four

Posted on 2021-09-24 in English |

September 24, 2021
 
 

Dear friends,

                                                                                                                                                                       
On Tuesday night, I had the joy of studying chapters 8 and 9 of the gospel of John with friends via Zoom. This was the second week of meeting virtually after a summer break. In many ways, the summer was a time of blessing and relaxation. We celebrated the birthdays of two of our four children and rejoiced that Jon Deming proposed to Bethany. Please pray for them as they make plans for their wedding and future.
 
In John 9, we read the account of a man who was blind from birth. John does not tell us his name, but we know that the Lord knew all about him. Let’s call him “Jesse.” The disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause Jesse to be born blind: Jesse or his parents. Isn’t that the type of question that often goes through our minds: “Who is to blame?” In the past year, much has been said about the virus that has caused so much suffering and death. Many have asked and continue to ask where the COVID-19 virus originated.

In his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah observes: “The disciples saw an object of theological curiosity; Jesus saw a man in need.” If we knew for certain that someone or a number of people created the deadly virus in a laboratory, we would want them to be brought to justice. However, prosecuting perpetrators won’t bring back those who have died, nor will it relieve suffering. In the gospel of John, we read of the opposition to Jesus and of His determination to preach the gospel and heal people. In John 8:31-32, we read: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” More than ever, people need to know that Jesus is the Truth.

In John 9, we see how the man who was born blind received his sight physically, as well as spiritually. In verse 10, Jesse was asked how his eyes were opened. In verse 11, he answered: “A man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” When people took Jesse to the Pharisees, he repeated his answer (verse 15). When he was asked “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” Jesse said, “He is a prophet” (verse 17). After more questioning and consulting Jesse’s parents, the Jews “reviled him” (verse 28). Jesse stood his ground and declared: “If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing” (verse 33). After Jesus heard that Jesse had been cast out of the synagogue, He found him and began a dialogue that led to his spiritual birth (verses 35-38). Now Jesse knew that Jesus is Lord, deserving of our devotion and worship.

How about you? Have you come to the place where you realize that God sent His only Son, the Lord Jesus, to save us from our sins? If not, I urge you to read the gospel of John and ask God to reveal His truth to you. If you are a believer, you can rejoice in knowing the Lord and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture for the weekend: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (NKJV)

Thought for the weekend: “The gospel is grievously offensive to the pride of men. It tells them that they are … under the wrath and condemnation of God, that they can do nothing to save themselves or secure their salvation, and that only through Christ crucified can they be saved. If we preach this gospel, we shall arouse ridicule and opposition.”  – John R. W. Stott

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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