Hello to my fasting family. I am so excited to connect with you today, Day 9. I know the audience of readers includes those who have been on the 21 day fasting journey from the beginning, some who jumped on board recently, some who feel you’ve failed because you stopped somewhere along the way, and possibly some who are reading today and haven’t even started the fast – perhaps just checking this fasting thing out. To every person reading, welcome.
Fasting is an amazing and wonderful element of the Christian walk. Our corporate 21 day fast is set at the beginning of the year as a driver to set the course for our entire year. This has been and amazing ride and the stories and testimonies are pouring in. Two very important things are happening right now you’re getting physically weak so boost your immune system if need be with vitamins, second spiritually you’re getting stronger. Keep praying corporately at 7am & 7pm, make your quiet time an priority schedule it and make it happen and journal your thoughts and what God is saying to you. The enemy can’t silence God’s voice in your life, the fast has cleared many of the things that were causing you not to hear but if you miss writing it down it will be easy for him to cause you to forget what God is saying. God has shared something so awesome I don’t have space to tell you but I will very, very soon.
Today is day 9, we are reading and studying John chapter 9, so let’s take a look. Our story today unfolds as Jesus and his disciples are walking through Jerusalem on their way out of the Temple area. They see a man who is blind, in fact, they learn that he has been blind from birth. I could honestly spend the rest of this month share this story with you and pointing out all the wonderful lesson but let me drop just a few, first is: This story addresses the question of suffering. It was the common understanding of the day [and even today] that when some tragedy or illness occurred, it was God’s way of punishing people for their sin. So we are not surprised to hear Jesus’ disciples say in verse 9, “And his disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” From the beginning of time people have been trying to understand why bad things which cause suffering in this world. The great thing about this story is that Jesus immediately clears this up for us by saying that this has nothing to do with some sin in this man’s life or his parent’s. God is not punishing them. God is not angry with them. God is not getting even. That is not why bad things happen in the world. God is not punishing individuals or the world at large. In fact, in spite of the things, which happen at times, this is a very good and pleasant world. Every day God shows his love and pours out his blessings, in spite of our sin and the fact that we do not deserve his blessings. The Prophet Jeremiah declares in Lamentations 3:21ff “But this I recall to mind, and therefore I have hope; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” God response to us in affection not anger, in compassion not cursing,, in mercy not misery. The Psalmist says it this way in Psalm 103:10, “He [God] does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” That’s good news since we would all be blind, deaf and terminal if we got what we deserved.
For some, the presence of difficulties and suffering in the world mean that God is punishing them for something. But for others, it is the sign that God is not able to do anything about the problems they face. Others wonder if he simply does not care. I heard a story about a teenager named John. John who was blind, he has lost his sight in chemical explosion, at the age of thirteen. For the most part John felt that his life was over, felt helpless and hated God. For the first six months after the accident John did nothing, ate all his meals alone in his room. One day John’s father entered his room and said, ‘John, winter’s coming and the storm windows need to be up — that’s your job. I want those hung by the time I get back this evening or else!’ Then he turned, walked out of the room and slammed the door. John got so angry. John thought Who does he think I am? I’m blind! John was so angry he decided to do it. He felt his way to the garage, found the windows, located the necessary tools, found the ladder, all the while muttering under his breath, ‘I’ll show them. I’ll fall, then they’ll have a blind and paralyzed son!’” John got the windows up and found out later that there was never a moment that his father was more than four or five feet away from his side. IN THE SAME WAY, JESUS NEVER PROMISED TO SPARE US PAIN, PROBLEM AND PERDICIAMENTS BUT HE DID PROMISE TO BE WITH US: Matthew 28: 20 “And behold, I am with you ALWAYS, to the end of the age.
Here’s a quick little outline that should makes this chapter both portable and palatable.
Man's Eyes Opened (Part I) 9:1-7
- Jesus passed by (v.1-3)
- Jesus came to work the works of God (v.4)
- Jesus came to be the Light of the world (v.5)
- Jesus came to give sight to men (v.6-7)
- Jesus' act: He made contact (v.6)
- Man's act: He had to obey to receive his sight (v.7)
Man's Eyes Opened (Part II) 9:8-41
- Stage 1: Seeing Jesus as a man (v.8-12)
- Stage 2: Seeing Jesus as a Helper or a Healer (v.13-15)
- Stage 3: Seeing Jesus as a prophet (v.16-17)
- Stage 4: Seeing Jesus as the Savior (v.18-27)
- Stage 5: Seeing Jesus as being "of God" (v.28-34)
- Stage 6: Seeing Jesus as the Son of God (v.35-38)
- Conclusion: The lesson of Jesus' revelation (v.39-41)
Enjoy, see you on day 10
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