João 9

João 9

Ryle - The great gate of salvation is yet ready to open — but the hour draws near when it will be closed forever. Let us work while it is called today, for "the night comes when no man can work." (John 9:4.) Let us tell our relatives and friends, that we have proved the way of life — and found it pleasant, that we have tasted the bread of life — and found it good. I have heard it calculated that if every believer in the world were to bring one soul to Christ each year, the whole human race would be converted in less than twenty years. I make no comment on such a calculation. Whether such a thing might be or not, one thing is sure: that many more souls might probably be converted to God, if Christians were more zealous to do good. Self-Exertion George Everard - Remember that your time is a precious talent, for which you must give account by-and-by. Think over such texts as these: "Whatever your hand finds to do — do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10.) "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night comes when no man can work." (John 9:4.) "Redeeming the time." (Ephesians 5:16.) Working Wisely I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. — John 9:4 Today's Scripture: John 9:1-11 In a photo on my wall, a rusted rake leans against a post in a vegetable garden overgrown with weeds. I took the picture several months after my father-in-law died and there was no one to care for his usually well-tended garden. One afternoon, he had leaned his rake against a post, walked to the house, and never returned. The photo says two things to me about work: First, I must do it while I can. Second, I must keep it in perspective and not make it more important than it is. Because my days are numbered, I need God’s wisdom to spend each one as I should. When Jesus healed a man born blind, He told His disciples, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5). As Jesus labored in His Father’s “garden” on earth, He demonstrated how to work wisely by having a balance between work and rest. He never valued productivity more than prayer, and He never became so preoccupied with a program that He failed to help people in need. Lord, give us the wisdom to work faithfully while it is still day. By: David C. McCasland Lord, help me know from day to day The good I should pursue; And grant me wisdom to discern The things I should not do. —D. De Haan Work is a blessing when it blesses others. Give While You Live As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. John 9:4 Today's Scripture & Insight: John 9:1–12 A successful businessman spent the last few decades of his life doing all he could to give away his fortune. A multibillionaire, he donated cash to a variety of causes such as bringing peace to Northern Ireland and modernizing Vietnam’s health care system; and not long before he died, he spent $350 million to turn New York City’s Roosevelt Island into a technology hub. The man said, “I believe strongly in giving while living. I see little reason to delay giving. . . . Besides, it’s a lot more fun to give while you live than to give while you’re dead.” Give while you live—what an amazing attitude to have. In John’s account of the man born blind, Jesus’ disciples were trying to determine “who sinned” (Jn 9:2). Jesus briefly addressed their question by saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned . . . but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me” (Jn 9:3–4). Though our work is very different from Jesus’ miracles, no matter how we give of ourselves, we’re to do so with a ready and loving spirit. Whether through our time, resources, or actions, our goal is that the works of God might be displayed. For God so loved the world that He gave. In turn, let’s give while we live. By: John Blase When it comes to giving, what’s one thing you’ve been delaying? What would it mean for you to give while you live? Giving God, please show me places where I can give today. Read Celebrating God’s Generosity.