“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 long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:3-5
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 9:1-7, where Jesus heals a man blind from birth (vv6-7). Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Sin and death entered the world after the Fall in Genesis 3 - see Romans 5:12. In John 16:33, Jesus shares that believers will have tribulation (troubles). This is part of God's plan since the Fall. Also part of God's plan is how Jesus is the Light of the World (v5) and how it is through our weakness and brokenness that God's Light shines most bright (v3). V4 shares a deep insight about how believers should approach difficult circumstances and tribulation - we must "work the works of him." We are all God's work and He does not make any mistakes - when we are sick, broken, sinful, etc. this is part of God's plan to shine His Light through us. We just need to submit and surrender to Him, and abide in Him so that we bear fruit by allowing Him to work through us.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The text reveals a question that many ask -believers and non-believers alike - do difficult circumstances result from sin? We have trouble understanding difficult circumstances, particularly when we perceive ourselves as undeserving of such tribulation. The problem then becomes a false believe that we are good and we cannot make this claim. See Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8 where all sin and fall short of the glory of God - not some people, but everyone.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God works through us in our weakness. Follow the example of Jesus who worked the works of the Father by submitting to His Will and allowing the Father to work through Him - ultimately by raising Jesus from the dead after His death on the cross.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and is the Light of the World who works in and through our weakness. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
