Today’s scripture: John 9:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Zier):
When good things happen to other people, and not ourselves, we can be pretty pathetic sometimes. This may sound blunt, but I am thinking about myself here.
When Jeff is asked for an interview and then I see something written up in a magazine or he has a spot on TV, I always look to see what he says about me. As I read through the articles, I find myself thinking, “How come I’m not mentioned here, or here, or in this paragraph?” “Geezy Peezy!” I think to myself. His parents get mentioned several times and I never get any mention as his spouse, or anything. “I guess he wants to be single!” I rant to myself. I know, this sounds petty horrible and petty, but it’s what I’ve sometimes thought.
In today’s reading, I am stunned at the human response to the blind man’s situation.
First, the disciples want to place blame on someone for this man’s blindness. I guess it is human nature to need to assign fault, but it seems so self-serving to point out another’s shortcomings and not our own.
Second, notice the reaction of disbelief of the people who knew the blind man before he was healed. I have always wondered why the people’s reaction was not joyful in that moment. The people were in disbelief that it was the same person who was blind, but all they do is ask — “Where is Jesus?” As if Jesus was there to do something for them, too.
In light of this passage, when I think back to my behavior, I realize I was having one of those self serving “it’s all about me” moments. I have known Jeff for a long time and I know who he is and how he thinks. Jeff’s motives are pure. What he does brings attention to our mission as a church, it brings light on what Jesus can do for our community, and gives us exposure to people that might not ordinarily come across the message of Christ. All I was doing was focusing on what it wasn’t doing — serving me!
I have to admit it. Everything is not all about me, even though I have lapses where I can forget that. I need to focus on what Christ can do and has done — both in and through me.
Thought for the day: Do you recognize Christ in and through your life?
Today, let’s join together in prayer for: Deacons Pam Beutler and James Morrison.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.