May 10, 2024

Gloria Ashby   -  

Friday, May 10, 2024

Read: John 9:1-5    God’s Will

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who was blind from birth.
Jesus’ disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned so that he was born blind, this man or his parents?”

Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents. This happened so that God’s mighty works might be displayed in him.
While it’s daytime, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9:1-5, CEB

Jesus was on his way to somewhere when he saw the blind beggar. Rather than walking past the man, Jesus stopped to do the work his Father sent him to do and with the people God entrusted to his care – whoever and whenever they might appear. On this day at this time, Jesus’ assignment was the blind beggar, even though it was the Sabbath, on which Jewish law prohibited work. Here was a person in need and an opportunity to glorify the One who sent Christ.

If you read further in the story, Jesus healed the blind man, transforming him from a beggar to a potentially active contributor in the community; from one who did not know who Jesus was at the time of his healing (see John 15:11) to one who became a living witness to the Son of Man and the power of God.

That’s the result we can expect when we abide in our relationship with Jesus, God incarnate, and remain available to do what we can, where we can, when we can for as long as we can (John Wesley covenant prayer). That is God’s will for us.

When we abide in Christ daily, allowing His life to flow through us to others and guide us, we will produce an outcome that glorifies God. We will witness the transforming power of works done in his name; and we will grow as a reflection of His glory, shining brightly in a world in need of His redeeming grace.

Reflect:  Reflect on a time when you were presented with an opportunity to serve someone in need, even if it seemed inconvenient or went against societal norms. How did you respond, and what did you learn about reflecting God’s love and glory in such moments? How will this change how you approach your day ahead?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for the example You set of compassion and service, even in the midst of inconvenience or opposition. Help me to stay alert to the needs of those around me and to keep a heart that is willing to respond with love and action, regardless of the circumstances. May my life be a testimony to Your transforming power and grace as I abide in You and serve others in Your name. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

By His Grace,
Gloria

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