Offenses: You Can Choose
Who has a right to be offended? Each day we are presented with peoples’ negative attitudes, hurtful words and unfair situations. With each one there is a good reason to be offended and hurt. We can’t really control how people treat us or respond to us, but we can control how we react to them.
I am reminded of the story, in John 9, of Jesus healing the man who was blind from birth. This man didn’t need a physician or theologian to tell him he had a problem and yet those around him were reacting to his condition. The disciples wanted to know the why’s and reason for his problem; if it was caused by his sin or that of is parents’. The Pharisees argued about the validity of the miracle and if the source was from God, Moses or the devil. This blind man only wanted some help.
Not only was he aware of all the conversations going on around him and about him, which was good enough reason to be offended, but then comes someone placing mud mixed with spit in his eyes. Mud represents the lowest level of humanity and spit speaks of ridicule, rejection and persecution. Now his problem became more than just physical.
At this point in the story, I am sure this man was not feeling like it was one of his better days. He could have become angry. He could have called for some justice from the police or even just walked away, but something kept him from reacting. He heard Jesus’ voice in the midst of all the other stuff happening around him: “I am the light of the world.” (v.5). Hope was birthed in his soul. Then he heard, “Go to Siloam and wash.” As he obeyed, faith was activated and he received his sight.
Siloam is the place of grace, miracles and harvest. There was a time in Israel’s history that they rejected the waters of Siloam and were swept away by the “River”, which was the army of Assyria, (Is. 8:5-6). If this man would have chosen offense, he would have remained with his problems. He chose not to be offended. He chose revelation over reason and he chose obedience over feelings.
Even after this healing, the provocations didn’t stop. His worst day had become his best day and yet others wanted to take it from him. But, this man kept his faith firm. He placed his faith in the Lord Jesus and worshipped him with a grateful heart, (v.38). Instead of nursing his hurts, he dispersed them. If this man could choose not to be offended, we can too.
Scriptures to meditate on:
John 9; Isaiah 8:5-6; Luke 6:49; Mat. 24:9-14