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DEMONSTRATING ANOTHER WAY (JOHN 9:1-12)

REFLECTION

“Demonstrating another way” is the theme for our reflection. To demonstrate means to clearly show the existence or truth of (something) by giving proof or evidence. Jesus demonstrated the truth about God’s nature in another way or in a way that is unusual. We shall reflect on the fact that disability or misfortunes are not always the consequence of sin and that through disability or misfortunes, God’s will and power can be experienced in our lives.

Beloved in the Lord, like the Jews, many of us grew up believing that sin and curses are the ramifications or consequence of disability, suffering and misfortunes in life. The foregoing assertion represents a half-truth, however, not all disabilities or misfortunes are the results of sin. It is for this reason Jesus demonstrated in another way how God operates in human affairs. We are told, “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3) In other words, Jesus challenged the preexisting belief that disability is the result of sin or a generational punishment for sin committed by parents. Jesus used the opportunity to teach and demonstrate in another way how God reveals His power and glory in our lives. We have several examples of people who suffered so that God’s power and glory may be revealed through them, Abraham and Sarah were childless until old age, Joseph went through betrayal, false accusation and imprisonment, Hannah was barren for many years, Job lost all his wealth and family, David was a fugitive and Jesus himself went through betrayal, denial, suffering, crucifixion and death. One thing all these people had in common is that the Lord used their suffering and misfortunes to demonstrate His power and glory in human affairs.

Dear friend, like the blind man and all the men and women of faith that came before him, are you also experiencing suffering and misfortunes in your life? Are you also battling with failure? Have you tried your best to serve God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him yet you continue to experience agony and misfortunes in your life? We are greatly emboldened by the words of Jeremiah when He said ” “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17). Again Jesus assures us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. God’s name was glorified through the testimony of the man who was healed by Jesus when the people asked, ““How then were your eyes opened?”…11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” (John 9:10-11) May the Lord, glorify Himself in our lives so that others may come to believe in Him.

In summary, we have discovered that disability and misfortunes are not always the consequence of sin and that through disability or misfortunes, God’s will and power can be experienced in our lives. May the name of the Lord be praised.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit comfort and strengthen us so that we can put our trust in Jesus irrespective of our challenging situation. Amen.