Manifesting His Works

True to the tradition of the day they thought that anyone born with an infirmity was being punished by God, and so as they passed by the man, blind from birth, the disciples asked Jesus, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" (John 9:2, KJV). The reply must have stunned them; "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (v.3).

While there are some who hold the view that every instance of the child of God being in a tough spot is indicative of sin in that believer's life, this narrative shows that view is not absolute. It also shows the Sovereignty of God in our lives in that nothing that happens to us is by chance nor is it without purpose. While it is true that some difficulties we experience are the results of our own actions, in other cases it could be that God allows us to walk a difficult path in order that His works should be made manifest in our lives. Of course, this is not always obvious when we are going through those challenging times, but we can trust Him that He knows what He is doing. God "needs" men and women who are broken to show the world what He is capable of, and because He is God we are all candidates. The blind man did not get a vote nor did he volunteer for the position. However, his life-long infirmity provide the perfect platform for a miracle that confounded those who saw it.

On this point Bible Scholar Matthew Henry notes, "[1.] We must take heed of judging any to be great sinners merely because they are great sufferers, lest we be found, not only persecuting those whom God has smitten (Psalm 69:26), but accusing those whom he has justified, and condemning those for whom Christ died, which is daring and dangerous, Romans 8:33, Romans 8:34. [2.] That they are sometimes intended purely for the glory of God, and the manifesting of his works. God has a sovereignty over all his creatures and an exclusive right in them, and may make them serviceable to his glory in such a way as he thinks fit, in doing or suffering; and if God be glorified, either by us or in us, we were not made in vain."

This should be encouragement for those who while serving God faithfully, struggle with things and situations they do not understand. Like Job, maybe you are the one "chosen" to be the vessel through whom the works of God should be made manifest. Regardless of where we find ourselves, let our prayer be that of the song writer, "In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified / In my life Lord, be glorified today." Are you up to it?