To be physically handicapped in the ancient world was a particular hardship and challenge.
In effect your life was relegated to begging and dependency upon others.
The Gospel of John chpt 9 tells us that Jesus took an active interest in a blind man in Jerusalem. This was a man who had been blind since birth, having never seen the light of day, the brilliance of a flower, not even his mother’s face.
What did Jesus do? He put mud in the mans eyes and instructed him to wash in the pool of Siloam and the man was healed!
Today we visited the sight where this miracle took place in Jerusalem, the pool of Siloam.
But before we read the passage as a group at the pool, I asked everyone to consider what the key to the mans healing actually was? Was it the mud? The waters of the pool of Siloam?
What we concluded was that the man simply listened to Jesus and responded to His directive. Though he could not see, he could hear! The key to his healing was his hearing. Would you believe that hearing is often the key to seeing? In fact often what we see trips us up. Often the key to seeing reality more clearly begins with hearing!
Maybe you’re in a place where you can’t “see” clearly what’s going on? You’re in a trial. Your amidst a hardship. The circumstances of your life are confusing. Here’s the good news — you can hear.
Jesus said, “If you continue in my word you will be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free!” (Jn 8:31-32) In other words, “do you want to “see?” Do you want to see what often you can’t see? Than “hear” and “respond” to the Lord. And you will “see”, in fact, you will be “set free!”
Paul wrote, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 2 Timothy 4:14-17
How could Paul say this? Because Jesus said “Lo I am with you always!” Mt 28:20 The key to Paul “seeing” the Lord and being encouraged and comforted was hearing the promise of Jesus!
The question that I want to ask you is, “What does God want you to ‘see’ today?”
Here’s what I want to encourage you to do: open the Scriptures today with a heart to hear. Ask the Lord, “Lord what do you want me to see/ understand?” The most important reality that we all see is that Jesus is the Son of God and that we follow Him!
Blessings on you from Jerusalem!! We send our love!!
Greg and Stephanie
“…Be still, and know that I am God…”
The Key To Seeing, Is?
I believe really seeing and hearing starts with my attitude:
Ephesians 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
God wants me to see that all believers in Jesus have been truly blessed with His spirit.
And that should make us happy!
The popular idea of happiness is that if you have the right set of circumstances you will be happy. My question is – “Is it possible to be happy – even if the circumstances are not perfect?” The Bible teaches us that:
Happiness is not based on circumstances – it is based on ATTITUDE.
In the gospel of Matthew chapter five we have what is known as the “Beatitudes”. Follow along with me as I read the beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 (NKJV)
Each of these beatitudes begins with the word “blessed”. “Blessed” can also mean “Happy”. In other words every time you see blessed in this passage you could substitute the word “Happy”.
“Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 (BBE)
This verse sounds like a contradiction doesn’t it?
Happy are the poor… Being poor does not sound like there would be much happiness – does it?
But being rich may not bring happiness either.
Jesus is teaching that true happiness is not based on external circumstances but on an internal attitude – a “BE” attitude.
In other words, your happiness should not depend on the right circumstances – but on your right attitude.
Circumstances can change.
Circumstances WILL change.
But if we have the right attitude – we can be happy no matter what the circumstances are.
Here is the facts:
FACT:
Happiness is a CHOICE.
Happiness depends on choosing the right ATTITUDE.
Let’s look at our focal verse again.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (NKJV)
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Let me tell you briefly what it does NOT mean. It does not mean that I have no value. It does not mean that I need to have low self esteem. It does not mean that I need to put myself down. Jesus did not die for junk – He died for people. You have value, you have worth, you have purpose, you have significance. That does not mean that you are perfect – you’re not. You’re human just like the rest of us. We all have sinned – yet we have value.
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? It simply means we need to have an attitude of humility. When it comes to our relationship with God we are all on the same playing field. We all depend on Him for our salvation.
Poor in spirit = HUMILITY
Humility is not thinking less of yourself – it is thinking of yourself LESS.
Humility is admitting that you don’t have it all together. Humility is admitting that you don’t know it all. Humility is realizing that the universe does not revolve around me. Humility is admitting to God that you need His help.
This morning we are going to look at three benefits of humility.
One Benefit of humility is:
Humility improves RELATIONSHIPS.
How many of you love to be around people with big heads? How many of you like being around people who brag and boast about themselves all the time? How many of you like being around people who are full of themselves? Prideful people are a pain in the “blessed assurance”. They are an irritation. They are self centered and they are never happy. Never happy! All they do is make others around them unhappy. Many times they build themselves up by cutting others down.
On the other hand how many of you like being around humble people? They don’t put on “airs” to impress you. When you tell them a story they don’t have to “one up you.” They are honest and open – they may even tell you funny stories of mistakes that they have made in their lives.
Guess what? We’re all human – we all make mistakes. Humility doesn’t mean we think less of yourself, you just think more about others.
When you become interested in others – you become interesting to OTHERS.
Your relationships improve when you become humble. You don’t have to be right all the time – you don’t have to have all the answers. It becomes easier to say, “I’m sorry.” “I was wrong.” “I messed up.”
Humility changes things. Humility changes relationships. It changes our relationships with one another but it also changes our relationship with God. Look at this verse from Second Chronicles with me:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
This verse tells us that there are four steps that improve a relationship with God – they are:
A. Humble ourselves.
B. Pray.
C. Seek God’s face.
D. Stop sinning (turn from our wicked ways).
When we do these four things our relationship with God improves. Notice that the first step in Second Chronicles is to humble ourselves. Humility improves relationships and helps bring happiness.
Another benefit of humility is:
Humility releases God’s POWER.
Look at James chapter four with me:
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (HCSB)
Would you like to feel God’s strength in your life?
The Bible says that God gives “grace to the humble.”
The Bible says that spiritual power is given to those who walk humbly before the Lord. God gives strength to those who realize that they need to depend on Him.
So; when I consider the majesty and mystery of God I am in awe. When I consider that God has taken me – even me – and placed me here – I am humbled. I’m not the most intelligent person in this congregation. Some of you have more insight and wisdom than I have. Yet God has placed me here for a purpose.
Sometimes I act a little impulsively – without thinking things through. Sometimes I wait too long when I should have jumped in. Sometimes I open my mouth and insert my foot and get myself in trouble because of it. Sometimes I feel so inadequate. Sometimes I feel so ill prepared. Sometimes situations seem overwhelming. It’s at times like that when I pray to God and ask Him for wisdom and strength.
I humble myself before Him and He strengths me. I have to realize that I am where I am – not because of who I am – but because God is who He is. I am strengthened – not because I am strong – not because I am a great guy – but because I have a Great God. I think that is what Paul was talking about when he said:
“Jesus said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (HCSB)
God’s strength in perfected in weakness. You have often heard it said – “God helps those who can help themselves.” This is not a true statement. The truth is: “God helps those who realize they can’t help themselves.” He expects us to do our best – but He also expects us to rely on His strength. When we admit we need Him – He steps in. It takes a humble person to admit their weaknesses.
Is there any area of your life you’re trying to get control of and it’s just not working? Have you humbled yourself in that area? Have you admitted to God that you just don’t know how to fix it? Tell God that it’s just not working – and that you don’t know what to do next. Humble yourself before Him. You don’t have all the answers – you’re not supposed to. You are supposed to come to Him humbly – admit your weakness – ask Him for help.
You see humility brings about strength. Humility brings about power. Humility brings about happiness – because God provides for you – what you cannot provide for yourself. “God gives grace to the humble.” Is it any wonder that:
“Happy are the poor in spirit: for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 (BBE)
I believe to improve my sight and my hearing I need to adapt God’s word as my life attitude.
That’s how to “See” life correctly!
That’s how to “Hear” from Him!
What a Blessing to hear these words today as we are finishing chaper 8 in John and just talked about the truth setting us free. Blessing to all of you and we are praying for everyone.
Thank you!