Daily Manna

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Why Me Lord ?

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
John 9:1-2

Incensed by His claim to Deity, the Jews took up stones to throw at Jesus (John 8:59). But not more than a stone’s throw away, sat this man whose life was abot to change radically and eternally.

The disciples voice the foundational question of all suffering: ‘Why?’ — and then give Jesus two possible answers. According to their reasoning, the blindness was the result either of the blind man’s sin or his parents’ sin.

‘The issue is not sin,’ Jesus would explain inverses 3-5. ‘Rather, this man’s misery gives Me opportunity for ministry.’

That’s the way it always is. Misery always opens the door for ministry. If you are going through difficulties, tragedy, sickness, or hard times, be careful that you don’t become introspective and wonder what you’ve done wrong to deserve it. Just as He did to His disciples, Jesus would say to you today, ‘Sin is not the issue. The question is not, ‘Who caused the misery?’ The question is, ‘Will you allow Me to use it? Will You allow Me to demonstrate My glory through it in order that a blind world might see My reality and be made whole?’

May Lord Bless You richly as you glorify Him in your situation. Amen.





There is no Bigger Ministry than your family. If you Think then read this

And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.
Exodus 4:24



“Let My son go,” God said to Pharaoh, “or your son will die” (see Exodus 4:23). Two sons are being talked about, but there are three sons in the story, for Moses had a son as well. And Moses couldn’t pronounce judgment on Pharaoh’s house while his own house was in error (1 Peter 4:17). You see, in Genesis 17:11, God instituted circumcision as an outward sign of an inward belief, its counterpart seen in the New Testament ordinance of baptism (Colossians 2:11–12). Circumcision was given to the Jewish nation as a mark of differentiation between them and every other culture round about them. Yet, Moses never circumcised his son. As a descendant of Abraham, Moses certainly knew the significance of this act. Why, then, wouldn’t he have circumcised Gershom?

It could be that he was preoccupied with his occupation. It could be that he was so into watching sheep that he forgot about the spiritual needs of his son. And before we wonder how watching sheep in the desert could be that consuming, we would do well to ask ourselves why we expend so much time and energy simply to make another sale, to get another client, to climb another step, to make another dollar. When we get to heaven, on the other side of eternity, we will surely say, “What was I thinking? Why did I take my career so seriously? Why wasn’t I there for my son, helping him to grow in his walk with the Lord?”

Or perhaps the reason Moses didn’t circumcise his son was a little more subtle. Perhaps it was because he was caught up in ministry. Listen carefully, Mom and Dad: there is no ministry in which you will ever be engaged that is more important, more fulfilling, more satisfying, gratifying, or thrilling than discipling your own children. God tapping you on the shoulder and saying 3 million people will listen to you would be incomparable to seeing your son or daughter discipled and trained. And lest you think your family isn’t a big enough ministry for a man of your skills and abilities, consider this: Jesus, the perfect Man, the ultimate minister, chose only twelve disciples into whom to pour His life. Therefore, one, two, or three kids is more than enough for even the best of us. From day one you get to pray for them, love them, and model God to them. It’s an incredible opportunity.