The Bible in 2020

Today’s Reading

First Chronicles 14-16; John 9:24-41

Selected Verses

Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 1 Chronicles 14:9-10

Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” John 9:35-36

Reflections

David was off to a good start in his reign (except for all the wives).  When the Philistines heard that he was on the throne they wasted no time in coming against him in battle.  Perhaps their utter defeat of Saul, a few years earlier, had left them overconfident.  Maybe they thought the new king would be distracted with all the matters of the kingdom and be an easy push over.  But David was a seasoned military commander.  He could have relied on his extensive experience, but he consulted the Lord for direction about how to respond to the approaching army.  David was not presumptuous but desired to know what God wanted him to do.  David showed simple trust in the Lord.

That simple trust paid off. David was victorious.

Jesus had a second encounter with the man who had been born blind.  The now-seeing man had held his ground in the repeated interviews with the Jewish authorities.  Now Jesus asks him if he believes in the “Son of Man.”  Of course, the man does not know what Jesus means, but he is quick to express simple trust in the Lord.  “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” he asks without hesitation.  Jesus introduces himself to the man as that One to whom He had referred.

And the man worshiped him.  That healed man got more than he bargained for that day: physical sight and spiritual sight.  His simple trust was well-placed.

Think about it

What is your attitude toward God and His Word?  Does your faith express itself in simple trust?  No drama, just a readiness to accept whatever the Lord puts in front of you today?  Seek to be a person who believes without delay and without excuses, one who trusts simply.

© 2017 John A Carroll  Used by permission

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