For the Glory of God
Good Morning,
John 9:1 “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.”
In this verse, we see troubles, serious troubles: a child was born blind and lived that way into adulthood. This child endured a lifetime of difficult and fearful situations with no bright future to come. In Bible days, there was no special care for the blind; he was bound to a helpless life of begging and loneliness.
Regarding this tragic situation, Jesus said, "but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (vs. 3)
This difficult situation was planned and designed to manifest the work of God, but years of hardship preceded that manifestation.
Let me mention another story, and then return to my point this morning.
A beloved brother lay dying, leaving two heartbroken sisters behind (the story of Lazarus).
John 11:21 “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
In a few minutes, Mary had the same reaction.
John 11:32 "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."
These situations are heartbreaking, yet occur for the glory of God. Yes, we know Lazarus raises from the dead, and the blind man gets his sight back, but the people involved did not know that! Much trouble and suffering occurred, but it all had a purpose.
John 11:4 “... This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”
In one story, the blindness was to manifest the works of God. Now, we read that a lifetime of living blind was so God would be glorified. To say God does not think like we do is a vast understatement. Be careful how you respond to trials. Remember that God has plans, and we are vessels that are supposed to be "meet for the Master’s use." (2 Timothy 2:21)
This does not mean we do not hurt or weep, for there was much weeping during the story of Lazarus, even by the Lord; but the works of God are mighty, and we get to be a part of them.
We could continue to the story of Job; he lost all he had: ten children died, and he lost his health and wealth – all for the glory of God. Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, and suffered for thirteen years all for the good of others.
As believers, one of the hardest concepts for us to grasp is that this life is not about us. Our military understands that their lives might be forfeit or crippled for the good of the nation, but the modern Christian is sure that life is all about personal joys and good times. This issue may be unique to our society because we have received so many blessings from God and heard so much slop from media and psychologists.
Many verses in the Bible deal with this; although, some are difficult to understand or grasp such as verse 25:
John 12:25 “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
There may be some confusing theology in that verse, but one thing is sure: God wants us to get over "ourselves."
The Saviour asks us nothing that He did not do many times more dramatically. No matter how difficult the situation was, Jesus surrendered to the perfect will of the Father; our Saviour was definitely "troubled" at times.
vs. 27 “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”
Notice that little phrase, "but for this cause."
There is a "cause" that supersedes our comfort and desires, a "cause" that ends with the glory of God. There is a cause that brought me to this hour in my life. Why not go on and trust the Almighty God?
Pastor