Is it possible to be blind and not know it?
Jesus spoke of those who had eyes but could not see (Matthew 13:13). His assessment of such people was that they would not receive the deep wisdom God had given Him to share. So, He spoke to them in parables, saving revelation for those He did not deem blind. Paul gave further insight into this blindness in 2 Corinthians 4:4 - Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God (NLT).
Thank God that those who submitted their lives to Jesus are blessed to receive His teaching. Through Him, we get to understand God's ways and will for our lives. Nevertheless, many of us know this wasn't always the case. At some point, we lived in darkness. We had little understanding of the gospel, its rich significance, and the power it contains. This includes those raised in Christian homes who attended church every Sunday. Jesus had to reach out and touch us in a new way so we could be forever changed.
This blessed privilege was spoken of back in the 8th century by Isaiah, a prophet of God. Isaiah 42:16 - I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them (GWT). At the time, many Israelites had turned away from God. Rather than serve Him alone, the people adopted the false gods, idols, and religious practices of their neighbors. These things angered the Lord and He spoke to seemingly unrepentant people through His servant.
Despite knowing the people had strayed, He assured them He would help them. Understanding their lack of wisdom, He committed to take these same individuals and lead them to new places on smooth pathways, and that the darkness that blinded them would flee.
Arguably, this is what God has done for many of us. He's opened our eyes through the knowledge of Jesus and His sacrifice, to place us on the path of righteousness, a smooth path. This journey resulted in many unfamiliar experiences. New situations that forced us to lean more on Him than our knowledge or what we can see with our physical eyes. And at every turn, God was there with us. Never abandoning us even when we thought all hope was lost.
Where would we be without Jesus and the God He reconciled us with?
This is why we who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, must pray that others enjoy the same benefits. This is also why we must spread the good news of Jesus Christ to others. We should encourage them to choose God and let Him lead so that the darkness that causes 'blindness' will turn to light. We can do this by carrying ourselves as His own in our behavior and the things we say. And that comes through spending time with His Word and putting it to practice.
Praise be to God who, in His mercy, does not abandon the spiritually blind but seeks to lead them to spiritual sight by His Son and His Holy Spirit. Thanks be to the Lord who has vowed to Shepherd His sheep and lead them to smooth places. Places where the grass is green and water abounds (Psalm 23:1-2). Glory be to God who will not abandon us because He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Hallelujah! And seek we shall, knowing that we are His to be led.
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CLOSING PRAYER
Thank You Great and Mighty King for bringing us to the end of today's fellowship. Sovereign! You who are the Beginning and the End! Once again, You've done it. Bringing us from our various locations to honor You by doing something so simple - lifting up praises to You and praying for others.
All because You willed it and said it was good.
Hallelujah and so much more belongs to You, Lord of lords.
Please look favorably upon today's participants. Remember them for storing up for themselves riches in heaven by serving You this day. Remember those who will enter this thread at a later date and time. Convict them, dear Abba. Bring them closer to You for the sake of Your word and Your incredible Name. Amen.
The earth is filled with Your glory, Hallelujah!