We Seek Answers
Affliction Series
“Be patient as you seek out his face in times of affliction. We may not know the reasons, but we can be assured that God hears us and is with us…”
“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.”
Explanation:
Jesus is famous for his healing ministry. However, what we might often overlook are his interactions with blind people. Blindness was very common in ancient times, as eye afflictions had few treatments available. Knowing this, we can understand why the disciples were curious about what Jesus would have to say about those who were stricken with this condition. This case is unique, in that this particular man was blind from birth - no disease or incident seems to have obviously led to his blindness, prompting the disciples to ask about the origins. The purpose is not that the man or his parents sinned, but that God had sent Jesus to do works of healing and is glorified by restoring the man's sight.
Connection:
What makes human beings unique amongst the rest of creation? Granted, we are very different from animals. We are made in God's image. We have the ability to reason, and to worship. We have the capacity for virtue, and, through sin, the capacity for vice. Yet, our sense of justice might be the most distinctive of all "human" traits. We each have, at least in some capacity, a sense of what "ought" to be. To us, things seem either just or unjust. It is no wonder then that much of the world's philosophy operates under this assumption. The ancient idea of Karma, for instance, operates on the idea that one reaps what one sows.
There is some truth to this, to be sure. After all, "a man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). Yet, for Christians, this does not define justice. It can be understood why the disciples sought to uncover the reason for a man's blindness. Surely, he must have done something to warrant such a misfortune. Bad things only happen to bad people, right? Jesus calls into question their very premise - that God can and does have a purpose in even what seems to be purely unfortunate. No matter what the cause of a man's affliction, God always uses such afflictions to demonstrate his power. Even when we ourselves inflict such things upon ourselves, God takes what we mean for evil - and uses it for good.
Action:
1. Be Patient -
While we tend to want to find an explanation for our afflictions, it is not always apparent to us. However, God is in control and has a purpose in it. Be patient as you seek out his face in times of affliction. We may not know the reasons, but we can be assured that God hears us and is with us (1 John 5:15).
2. Keep Fighting -
Scripture likens our spiritual walk with Christ to a runner in a marathon (Hebrews 12:1-2). As any runner can tell you, the race requires quite a bit of pain and endurance, but great honor comes to the one who endures and finishes the race. Our life is often like this as we endure hardships and trials. In this, it is important that we get back up when we stumble and fall, for Christ is there to help us, forgive us, and lead us to the end.
3. Take Heart -
Above all, despite the afflictions we suffer, make it a point to take heart. Rejoice and boast in your afflictions, knowing that Christ himself has endured such things, and he has overcome them. For Our Lord says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).