May 17
John 9:1-41
How can there be an all-loving, all-good, all-powerful God; yet such evil and suffering in the world? This is one of the most asked questions from skeptics to Christians. Jesus gives us one particular reason in John 9. The disciples, who had been with Jesus for a while, asked Jesus why a particular man was born blind. The disciples assumed the blind man was either blind because of his own personal sin or the sin of his parents. Their view only allowed for personal sin as a reason for illness. Jesus quickly corrected them: this man was allowed to be born blind so Jesus could display his power in healing him. It had absolutely nothing to do with personal sin. Instead, it was a condition of the fallen world, which God allowed so he could reveal his power and glory. This never would have crossed the disciples’ minds as a possible rationale for his condition until Jesus told them.
As we wrestle with why God allows suffering, and other questions, we need to hear from God for answers. Then, when God speaks about an issue, we need to submit to what he says. The answer may not sit well with us, or it may not make sense to us; but when God speaks, we need to listen, submit, and believe. There are times we also may not know the answer, but we need to learn to trust a God who we know is all-loving, all-powerful, and all-good.
Father God, help me to understand who you are and the way you work so that I can believe and submit to your ways. Amen.
What issues of theology do you find difficult to understand or believe? How can you pursue further understanding in these areas?
How can there be an all-loving, all-good, all-powerful God; yet such evil and suffering in the world? This is one of the most asked questions from skeptics to Christians. Jesus gives us one particular reason in John 9. The disciples, who had been with Jesus for a while, asked Jesus why a particular man was born blind. The disciples assumed the blind man was either blind because of his own personal sin or the sin of his parents. Their view only allowed for personal sin as a reason for illness. Jesus quickly corrected them: this man was allowed to be born blind so Jesus could display his power in healing him. It had absolutely nothing to do with personal sin. Instead, it was a condition of the fallen world, which God allowed so he could reveal his power and glory. This never would have crossed the disciples’ minds as a possible rationale for his condition until Jesus told them.
As we wrestle with why God allows suffering, and other questions, we need to hear from God for answers. Then, when God speaks about an issue, we need to submit to what he says. The answer may not sit well with us, or it may not make sense to us; but when God speaks, we need to listen, submit, and believe. There are times we also may not know the answer, but we need to learn to trust a God who we know is all-loving, all-powerful, and all-good.
Father God, help me to understand who you are and the way you work so that I can believe and submit to your ways. Amen.
What issues of theology do you find difficult to understand or believe? How can you pursue further understanding in these areas?
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