I See!

A minister, proclaiming the gospel in an open-air meeting, was challenged by an unbeliever from the crowd following the close of his lesson one evening. The man declared, “I don’t believe in heaven or hell. I don’t believe in God or Christ. I haven’t seen them.” Overhearing the remarks, a man wearing dark glasses came forward and said, “You say there is a river near this place? There is no such thing. You say there are people standing here, but it cannot be true. I haven’t seen them. I was born blind. Only a blind man could say what I have said. And only a spiritually blind man could say what you have said.” [adapted from bulletin clipping]

When Jesus healed a man who had been born blind ( John 9), many marveled while others tried to discount the miracle and the power of Jesus. [If you haven’t read this chapter in a while I encourage you to do so.] After being questioned thoroughly by the Jewish leaders this man was eventually thrown out. Jesus, finding him again, revealed Himself more fully and the man believed and worshipped Him.

Then we read…
“(39) Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE MAY SEE, AND THOSE WHO SEE MAY BECOME BLIND.’ (40) Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, ‘Are we also blind?’ (41) Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but NOW THAT YOU SAY, ‘WE SEE,’ YOUR GUILT REMAINS.’” ( John 9:39-41
ESV)

Those I have known whose physical sight was impaired, all seem to have had other senses which were sharper to compensate for the absence of sight. In fact, the abilities I have observed them to demonstrate have helped me see some things regarding life a little clearer. It is the “spiritual blindness” which is the worst kind of impairment. There is truly none so blind and those who WILL NOT SEE.

Paul noted the challenge in the following words:
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)

Jesus could heal those who were physically blind. However, those who refused to see could not have their self-imposed blindness lifted. There are many today who claim to be “enlightened” who refuse to see what God has revealed of Himself and His Will. As long as such individuals maintain a worldly perspective there is much they will continue to be unable to see.

Jesus exhorted…
“(22) The eye is the lamp of the body. So, IF YOUR EYE IS HEALTHY, YOUR WHOLE BODY WILL BE FULL OF LIGHT, (23) but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. IF THEN THE LIGHT IN YOU IS DARKNESS, HOW GREAT IS THE DARKNESS!” ( Matthew 6:22-23 ESV)

Our own WILLINGNESS TO SEE is important to consider. How much we WANT TO SEE God and the Will He has for our life will greatly determine the health of our spiritual vision. The more we focus away from worldly things (the physical and temporary) the clearer the things of God (the spiritual and
eternal) will continue to become.

Have a great day RECOGNIZING HOW BELIEVING IS SEEING!
Carl

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