Gospel Truth in John 9 (Dec 18)

Christ Teaches the Power of God

Christ’s claim draw the attention
of more than the hungry and sick.
The scribes, Pharisees, religious
leaders concerned about status
quo, respond with angry resistance.
But how do you refute a Man
who preaches that He is the
Light of the World, then proves
it by giving sight to the blind? …
who claims He is the resurrection,
then validates that claim by raising
a man from the dead. The choice
is clear: Either believe Him or seek
to silence Him once and for all.

Lord, we yearn to see Your Power:
As Jesus was walking along,
He saw a man who had been
blind from birth. Rabbi, his disciples
asked him: Why was this man
born blind? Was it because of
his own sins or his parents’ sins?
It was not because of his sins or
his parents’ sins, Jesus answered.
This happened so the power
of God could be seen in him.
We must quickly carry out the
tasks assigned us… The night
is coming, and then no one
can work (John 9:1-4). Amen.

Lord, we long for Your power
to be put on display in our lives.
Give sight where we are blind;
give life where there is deadness
and bring to reality the dreams
and hopes that yet to come true.
Lord, put your power on display
in my brothers and sisters’ life
with the fruit of your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Lord, thank you because we have
been united to Christ by faith, we
never need to think that God will
punish us for our sin or weakness.
For the punishment for apathy
toward God and rebellion has
all been laid on Jesus. And though
our loving Father will discipline
to make us more holy, he will not
punish us simply to make us pay.
Thank you for Your goodness
and word of assurance. Amen.

Lord, we realise You may allow
suffering to teach us about faith
and glorify God through healing.
Help us not look for scapegoats;
but instead look for ways to help
those who suffer and to learn
from their suffering. Help us not
to ask: Why did this happen? But
instead ask God for strength for
the trial & reliance on Him. Amen.