John 9-9.21.22
Scripture
John 9:41
Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
Observation-What does it say?
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. Not only did He heal his physical blindness, but His spiritual blindness as well. The man was healed of his spiritual blindness because he recognized he was blind, he believed in Jesus as the "Son of Man" and worshipped Him. As Jesus was talking to the man, Jesus said that He came "so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." A Pharisee heard this and took offense to it. He asked Jesus if they were blind too. Jesus' response in verse 41 says it all.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The Pharisees did not acknowledge their blindness (sinful nature). Jesus cannot save those who think they are not guilty of sin. He came to save sinners like you and me. He didn't come to save those who do NOT think they are sinners, for they have no need of Jesus, and as a result "their guilt remains."
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NIV
Life Application
Admit our need for Jesus, thank Him for His saving grace and pray for a heart to share with people who are spiritually blind, that their eyes (hearts) would be open to the Truth.
I grew up in the church, which means that I went to church with my parents from the time I exited my mother's womb. (Actually, I started attending while still in the womb, according to my mom.) However, I was spiritually blind because I remember at 14 years old thinking to myself that I was NOT a sinner and I hadn't broken any of the 10 commandments, so why do I need Jesus? I just wanted to live my life and decided that I would not say the sinners' prayer yet, but wait until I got older. I was blind and did not recognize it at that time. Praise God that 2 years later, I opened my heart to His invitation for salvation, as I admitted my need for Him and recognized my sin and blindness.
There are so many in the world and even in churches today who are still spiritually blind. They are unable to recognize their need for Jesus because they don't think that they are sinners. Just like the Pharisees who pointed their finger at "those sinners,” I pray that we would not fall into that same trap, but rather pray for a heart for the lost and spiritually blind to come to know and receive His saving grace.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for saving a wretch like me. Your grace is amazing. Please forgive me for the many times I have acted like a Pharisee, because I had forgotten Your saving grace over my own life. I pray for healing over people in our families, in our churches and in our community who are still spiritually blind. May they recognize their need for You and use me as You will to reach out to sinners just like me. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see." Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
John 8-9.20.22
SCRIPTURE:
John 8:31
"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
OBSERVATION:
Jesus spoke about God's true children; the ones who stay close to Him, and who receive the nourishment and life that is freely offered through Him.
Jesus told the Jews, "Before Abraham was, I am." Even though that was seemingly impossible since Jesus came after Abraham had already died, but by saying this, Jesus was claiming to have timeless existence. This is why Jesus is able to offer eternal life to all who believe the truth, because He is the incarnate Son of God, the Word, God Himself Who became flesh and took up residence among us. (John 1:14).
UNDERSTANDING:
The only way for us to be able to lead truly good lives is by staying closely connected to Jesus, especially since He is the perfect standard of what is right. When we turn away and reject Him and His ways, we are rejecting the ONLY ONE Who is able to rescue us from our sins. Jesus taught that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, and a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever! Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; but whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.
LIFE APPLICATION:
I pray I will value the truth and persistently hold onto it. I pray as I abide in Jesus that my life will flourish and bear much fruit for the glory and honor of God. Thank You Lord for revealing Your truth to me, and for setting me free! I am free indeed!
-Robin Orefice
2 Chronicles 28-9.19.22
Scripture
2 Chronicles 28:22 NLT
“Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the Lord.”
Observation-What does it say?
King Ahaz was 20 years old when he became king and ruled over Judah. However, Ahaz did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the LORD (vs. 1). He casted metal images to worship Baal. He offered sacrifices, (even sacrificing his own sins in the fire). He followed all the detestable things the surrounding pagan nations did. As a result, God allowed the surrounding nation’s armies to conquer, plunder, and imprison their land. But, even throughout all these hardships, King Ahaz refused to turn to God. Instead, he chose to follow the gods of the armies who defeated him. He thought if their gods helped them defeat him, they would help him too. WRONG!!! Instead it lead to King Ahaz’s ruin and the ruin of Judah.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Don’t let your hardened heart and stubbornness be the ruin of you.
You’ve seen it before. Whether it was from some of the previous kings from this 2nd book of Chronicles, or from the Pharaoh of Egypt in the book of Exodus. What you see is people who have hardened hearts towards God, people who are stubborn, and people who turn to sinfulness. It is because of these things that causes ruin in their homes and their empire. But what could have prevented it you may ask? Well, the first thing is they should learn from history. King Ahaz should have known the stories of the successes and failures of each kingdom before him. He should have seen the common denominator of each successful kingdom (the kings who did what was pleasing to God), and each kingdom which failed (the ones who turned their back on God). Not learning from the previous kingdoms’ mistakes and success was his first mistake. The second mistake, (which proved to be his downfall), was not turning to God and repenting from his sins. God is very patient with each and everyone of us. He is a God that gives us multiple chances. So, I’m sure if King Ahaz would have cried out to God for help and asked for God’s forgiveness, he could have spared his people and even maybe himself in the process. But, instead he chose to dig himself into a deeper hole with God. He chose to worship the gods of the ones who defeated him and held his people captive. He chose to arouse God’s anger upon him, which ultimately left Ahaz in a hole he did not get out of…his grave.
“For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.””-Psalms 75:10 NLT
Life Application
Repent, turn to God, and ask for God’s forgiveness before it’s too late.
King Ahaz didn’t learn from other kings’ mistakes. Maybe he thought he was above it and that it wouldn’t happen to him. But, as the Bible tells us, “Pride comes before the destruction.”-(Proverbs 16:18a). So, never think it can’t happen to us. But, if we do catch ourselves in sin, repent, turn to God, and ask for forgiveness. Do it now before it’s too late!
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” -1 John 1:9
-Moses Gaddi