Who is Really Blind Here???
Psalm 119:57-64
Heth
57 You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Reflection: The psalmist reflects on God’s provision in his life through the Word, even when life has dealt him severe blows. I.e. “Though the wicked bind me with ropes.” You can see the psalmist has hidden God’s Law in His heart. The Law was all that King David had, and would have represented to Him the Bible as we know it today. This would include the great stories of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and how God had honored his Covenant promise to them. In addition, how David would be included in the new Covenant promise to be a king in the line with the King of Kings. We see again the relationship between grace and the Law. As David obeyed God’s statutes and ways, God was gracious to Him according to the Promise. In a Covenant both parties agree to something. God agreed to provide for Israel if they would walk in His ways. Of course this is replaced by a new and superior covenant when Jesus comes, which takes into consideration that we cannot live up to God’s law because of our sinful nature.
2 Samuel 15:1-29
Absalom’s Conspiracy
15 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” 5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel. 7 At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, “Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. 8 While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: ‘If the Lord takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’” 9 The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went to Hebron. 10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’” 11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. 12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
David Flees
13 A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.” 15 The king’s officials answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.” 16 The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city. 18 All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king. 19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.” 21 But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” 22 David said to Ittai, “Go ahead, march on.” So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. 23 The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness. 24 Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. 26 But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. Take your son Ahimaaz with you, and also Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You and Abiathar return with your two sons. 28 I will wait at the fords in the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.
Reflection: Despite David’s kindness to Absalom, he starts planning a conspiracy. He usurped David’s power and authority and tried by dishonest means to start winning the hearts of the people over to him. He even used religious vows as a justification to start setting up camp in Hebron, from which he would stage his rebellion and try to become King. David starts to realize what is happening and starts making plans to leave Jerusalem should there be a siege. He is sure to leave the Ark back in the city and instructs the priests to take care of it accordingly. He even tries to protect the Ittai the Gittite from what he envisions happening, but the Ittai pledges allegiance to King David. Quite ironic that this foreigner pledges service to David no matter what when David’s own son is planning a rebellion. In spite of all that is happening David leaves the matter in God’s hands. He has been around long enough to know if God is on his side, things will be okay, and if not may it be as God has ordained. We see again David’s character in the midst of a really difficult situation. How is God challenging you to stay faithful when those around you maybe even someone close to you is in rebellion to God’s purposes.
John 9:1-12
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” 12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.
Reflection: Jesus continues to reveal His identity as the Son of God through another sign. This time he meets a man who was blind from birth. The disciples had assumed this man deserved his plight because of either his sin or generational sin from his parents. But Jesus quickly dismisses this notion and says God had allowed this to happen so His glory might be revealed at such a time as this. Despite the healing people were remiss to accept it. The man simply tells them that the man Jesus healed him. He states quite clearly, “I went and washed as Jesus told me and then I could see.” The teachers could not accept (or see!) the sign because they were not open to who Jesus was, and the signs that would accompany Jesus as the Messiah. So instead of accepting the sign, they question the man Jesus. This again affirms the notion of two kinds of blindess, “spiritual” and “physical” blindness. The man who was “physically blind” could see, the “spiritually blind” remain unable to see. As you pray for people who don’t know Jesus, pray that may have eyes to see that He is the Son of God!
The Lord said to Moses, “You shall speak all that I command you.” Exodus 7:1-2
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:20
Compassionate God, speak through us today that we might share your love with all we meet. Open our eyes to see the stranger passing by and offer welcome and blessing in your name. Amen.
Heth
57 You are my portion, Lord;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
Reflection: The psalmist reflects on God’s provision in his life through the Word, even when life has dealt him severe blows. I.e. “Though the wicked bind me with ropes.” You can see the psalmist has hidden God’s Law in His heart. The Law was all that King David had, and would have represented to Him the Bible as we know it today. This would include the great stories of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and how God had honored his Covenant promise to them. In addition, how David would be included in the new Covenant promise to be a king in the line with the King of Kings. We see again the relationship between grace and the Law. As David obeyed God’s statutes and ways, God was gracious to Him according to the Promise. In a Covenant both parties agree to something. God agreed to provide for Israel if they would walk in His ways. Of course this is replaced by a new and superior covenant when Jesus comes, which takes into consideration that we cannot live up to God’s law because of our sinful nature.
2 Samuel 15:1-29
Absalom’s Conspiracy
15 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” 5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel. 7 At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, “Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. 8 While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: ‘If the Lord takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’” 9 The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he went to Hebron. 10 Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’” 11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. 12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
David Flees
13 A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.” 15 The king’s officials answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.” 16 The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city. 18 All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king. 19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.” 21 But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” 22 David said to Ittai, “Go ahead, march on.” So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. 23 The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness. 24 Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. 26 But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. Take your son Ahimaaz with you, and also Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You and Abiathar return with your two sons. 28 I will wait at the fords in the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.
Reflection: Despite David’s kindness to Absalom, he starts planning a conspiracy. He usurped David’s power and authority and tried by dishonest means to start winning the hearts of the people over to him. He even used religious vows as a justification to start setting up camp in Hebron, from which he would stage his rebellion and try to become King. David starts to realize what is happening and starts making plans to leave Jerusalem should there be a siege. He is sure to leave the Ark back in the city and instructs the priests to take care of it accordingly. He even tries to protect the Ittai the Gittite from what he envisions happening, but the Ittai pledges allegiance to King David. Quite ironic that this foreigner pledges service to David no matter what when David’s own son is planning a rebellion. In spite of all that is happening David leaves the matter in God’s hands. He has been around long enough to know if God is on his side, things will be okay, and if not may it be as God has ordained. We see again David’s character in the midst of a really difficult situation. How is God challenging you to stay faithful when those around you maybe even someone close to you is in rebellion to God’s purposes.
John 9:1-12
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” 12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said.
Reflection: Jesus continues to reveal His identity as the Son of God through another sign. This time he meets a man who was blind from birth. The disciples had assumed this man deserved his plight because of either his sin or generational sin from his parents. But Jesus quickly dismisses this notion and says God had allowed this to happen so His glory might be revealed at such a time as this. Despite the healing people were remiss to accept it. The man simply tells them that the man Jesus healed him. He states quite clearly, “I went and washed as Jesus told me and then I could see.” The teachers could not accept (or see!) the sign because they were not open to who Jesus was, and the signs that would accompany Jesus as the Messiah. So instead of accepting the sign, they question the man Jesus. This again affirms the notion of two kinds of blindess, “spiritual” and “physical” blindness. The man who was “physically blind” could see, the “spiritually blind” remain unable to see. As you pray for people who don’t know Jesus, pray that may have eyes to see that He is the Son of God!
The Lord said to Moses, “You shall speak all that I command you.” Exodus 7:1-2
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:20
Compassionate God, speak through us today that we might share your love with all we meet. Open our eyes to see the stranger passing by and offer welcome and blessing in your name. Amen.
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