Sitting in your usual spot by the road, you hear a group of disciples speaking with their Rabbi. They’re talking about you. They’re fascinated by your blindness, what was it that caused it? Was it your sin, or your parents?
What do you think? Whose fault was it?
The Rabbi, gives a response you could never have hoped for. You were made blind so that the works of God may be displayed in you. But how?
Before You even know what’s happening, the Rabbi has stooped down, covered your eyelids in some kind of paste, and commanded you to wash yourself in a nearby pool. As you wash the dusty mixture away from your eyes you look down at the pool, the water now muddied between your fingers.
You’ve been healed, in a moment. All glory be to God, who could possibly deny his work in your life this day.
Except they do. They start to poke holes in your story. They confront your parents, who do little to dissuade them, they prod their fingers in the direction of the great man who did this. They press and press until they come to the very same decision the disciples did.
They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”And they cast him out.
— John 9:34
Once we were blind, but now we see.
I’ve met countless Christians throughout the years with stories just like this, they were healed of their sins, shame, and sometimes even physical and mental ailments, and when they shared this good news with others they met nothing but rebuke. The man would go on to follow Jesus himself, and so did these friends of mine too.
Years later, after many had followed a similar path, Peter said this:
“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.”
— 1 Peter 3:14–16
The truth is that as we share the gospel with those around us, some of the seeds we scatter will fall on hard ground. What do we do when this happens? We brush ourselves down, and we carry on. I know what it is like to be scorned and beaten down for my faith, but I also know the joy of seeing faith blossom in the heart of a new believer. I would take dozens of the former just to get one hint of the latter. What’s more, sometimes the former becomes the latter. That is truly wondrous to behold. Keep that in mind as we pray together today.
Let’s pray.
Praying through the Bible
Lord,
We were born in utter sin,and yet, you have called us.We have been cast out by the world,and yet we are to teach?Give us strength, dedication,and heal us of any blindness in our lives today.
When we suffer for righteousness’ sake,Bless us, Lord, and wipe away all of our fears,let not our hearts grow troubled, but rather,let them honour Christ the Lord as holy,
Prepare us even today to make a defence,Remind us of the truth of the gospel,bring to mind testimonies of your goodness,plant our feet on the rock of our salvation.
To anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us,May we do so with gentleness and respect,In good conscience,So that when we are slandered,Which we surely will be,Their shame would bear witness to your steadfast love in us.Turn that shame to joy, Lord, by calling them immediately towards yourself.Let them not linger long in that place, but instead, lead them to the Way.
Amen
Today’s Readings
* John 9
* Psalm 26
* Exodus 12-14
“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five.”
— 1 Chronicles 3:16-20
Recommended Media to Start Your Day
A splendid video about a Swedish inventor and his plethora of self-built houses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYtPRuLbJCg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdusktilldawn.substack.com%2F
Grace and Peace,
Adsum Try Ravenhill
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