Stuff Happens

“Our father died in the wilderness,” they said. “He was not among Korah’s followers, who rebelled against the LORD; he died because of his own sin. But he had no sons. [Numbers 27.3]

Compare this verse to an event that took place during Jesus' ministry on earth:

“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” [John 9.2]

What I see from these passages of scripture is that death and blindness are very much tied to sin. However, Jesus' response to His disciples reveals yet another cause for curses (death and blindness):

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” [John 9.3-5]

"Stuff happens," is a term (in various other forms) that we hear a lot. It is most always accurately associated with the idea that we are not in control of everything and that we do not fully understand everything.

The problem with using the words, "stuff happens" today is what occurs immediately following the use of those words... This is where we MUST observe our Lord Jesus and do likewise!

What I hear from Jesus' words in John's record is that the cause is not what matters, but what matters is the cure! Jesus' immediate response was not to consider the cause (to judge), but to consider the cure (forgiveness).

It is worth noting that Jesus used the word "we" (instead of "I") when pointing out the expediency with which the cure must be administered. He warned that "night" was coming when the cure could not be administered and associated that "night" in direct correlation to His presence on the earth (as the Light).

We simply must not nod off here without understanding the meaning of this!

The cure for curses is forgiveness. Jesus made that clear:

So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” [Matthew 9.6]

Jesus was teaching that forgiveness is a limited-time commodity (the night is coming...). "We" are assigned tasks by God "in the Light" of Jesus (Christ in me) while we are on earth and while forgiveness is still relevant. Remember, the night is coming when the age of grace - forgiveness - will be over! In consideration of "eternity," this time of "light" (forgiveness) on earth is only a "blip on the chart' thus requiring ALL expediency on our part to spread it!

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]

Suffice it to say, "stuff happens" is our signal to respond with the light of forgiveness. Jesus said it like we should also say it:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” [Luke 4.18-19]

The LORD's favor is forgiveness!!!! Forgiveness is ours to give:

If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]

So, any time the words "stuff happens" come up, we will do well to respond with forgiveness and the healing and restoration it brings!

Father, may Your people - believers in Christ - take to heart the forgiveness that is ours as we forgive. May we respond to curses with forgiveness and its healing. May we understand that our time on earth is the "light of Christ" and our role as such was well-defined and modeled by Jesus Himself. May we respond to the words "stuff happens" as did Jesus - with forgiveness and restoration.