Thought of the Day: Don't Worry--You're Weak!

"Why was this man born blind?" Jesus was asked, "Was it he who sinned or his parents?"

Ultimately, Jews of Jesus' day had a faulty view of sin and suffering. Instead of suffering being the result of mankind's sin from the beginning of time, it was a direct result of one's personal sin. Never mind that David, for example, often noted that the righteous often suffer in this world while the unrighteous often flourish. Yet he saw their reversed destinies in heaven and found comfort.

Jesus said "It was neither this man who sinner nor his parents, but so that the works of God may be revealed." Jesus wasn't saying this man was without sin--simply the issue of sin was neither here nor there in this encounter. With that, Jesus gave sight to the blind man. (John 9)

At the end of the day, the Son of God sought out a broken, suffering sinner--not to exploit his suffering, but to reveal the glory and grace of God.

My Friends, we are broken, suffering sinners. We were not chosen because of anything good in us. But God, in His eternal, unconditional love for His people, sought out the most of broken of sinners in human history--including you and me--and united us to Himself in Jesus Christ. That way, the world would see God's strength most clearly revealed.

As Paul later said, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But is was for that very reason that He came--so that in me, the worst of sinners, He might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe and have eternal life." (1 Tim. 1:15-16)

Feeling weak today? Don't worry, you are. But you have a gracious God who chose you for that very reason, and He is your strength. In your weakness, shine in His glorious strength today.