Faith Promise - What's Next - Day 05
Day 05 - Friday, November
John 9
Highlight
The man who was born blind is a unique story because of John’s focus on how the Pharisees would work to find evidence against Jesus. In this particular instance the Pharisees were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, the holy day of rest. According to Pharisaical Law, healing would constitute work and therefore be sinful. In verse 24 they bring the man back in and say ‘Give glory to God.’ This was an ancient form of giving an oath. Think of it as making the man put his hand on the Bible and swearing to tell the whole truth. They have their minds made up - he has violated the Sabbath, no matter how Jesus violated the Sabbath. The blind man’s response is beautiful and reflects the feelings of so many people who have found salvation in Jesus. He refused to get entangled in the theological question of whether or not the miracle made Jesus a sinner. Instead, he stuck to what he knew to be true - He once was blind, but now he can see… And Jesus is the reason.
This affirmation has been adopted by millions of believers who, while not certain about how to articulate the deep theology that explains the miraculous transformation in their lives, nevertheless know that once they were without spiritual sight but now they are able to experience the presence and power of Jesus. The fact that God has entered their lives is the central reality of their new life in Christ. Similarly, none of us should become so distracted by complicated theological questions that we lose sight of the most fundamental and real experience we have: we once were spiritually blind, now we can see; we were spiritually dead, now we are alive!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
John 9
Highlight
The man who was born blind is a unique story because of John’s focus on how the Pharisees would work to find evidence against Jesus. In this particular instance the Pharisees were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath, the holy day of rest. According to Pharisaical Law, healing would constitute work and therefore be sinful. In verse 24 they bring the man back in and say ‘Give glory to God.’ This was an ancient form of giving an oath. Think of it as making the man put his hand on the Bible and swearing to tell the whole truth. They have their minds made up - he has violated the Sabbath, no matter how Jesus violated the Sabbath. The blind man’s response is beautiful and reflects the feelings of so many people who have found salvation in Jesus. He refused to get entangled in the theological question of whether or not the miracle made Jesus a sinner. Instead, he stuck to what he knew to be true - He once was blind, but now he can see… And Jesus is the reason.
This affirmation has been adopted by millions of believers who, while not certain about how to articulate the deep theology that explains the miraculous transformation in their lives, nevertheless know that once they were without spiritual sight but now they are able to experience the presence and power of Jesus. The fact that God has entered their lives is the central reality of their new life in Christ. Similarly, none of us should become so distracted by complicated theological questions that we lose sight of the most fundamental and real experience we have: we once were spiritually blind, now we can see; we were spiritually dead, now we are alive!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)