seeing by the light
“Now I can see.” —John 9:15
People are born spiritually blind. “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance” (1 Sm 16:7). We must get our sight correct, because this is not a neutral matter. If we don’t grow in spiritual sight, we sink deeper into darkness; we grow more blind (see Jn 9:41). Jesus “came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind” (Jn 9:39, RNAB).
Adam and Eve had their eyes opened when they sinned, but became blind spiritually (see Gn 3:5ff). Are we like Adam and Eve or are we like the blind man who was healed and came to believe in Jesus? (see Jn 9:38) Are we like Samuel, who learned to see with God’s eyes? (1 Sm 16:12).
“We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Elisha’s servant grew in faith when God opened his eyes (2 Kgs 6:17). Repentance opens our eyes (see Rv 3:18-19). May we repent of seeing with the light of this world, which is darkness (Mt 6:23), and receive “the light” of Christ to truly see (Jn 1:5).
With Bartimaeus, say, “Lord...I want to see” (Lk 18:41). So many people see by the eyes of the mass media, secular culture, the entertainment industry, and social media. Turn off the TV and your handheld electronic device. Repent and fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). Pray for the Lord to “enlighten your innermost vision” (Eph 1:18). “Christ will give you light” (Eph 5:14).
Prayer: Father, help me to take all the planks of sin out of my eyes so I may see clearly to do Your works of mercy (Mt 7:5).
Promise: “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.” —Ps 23:6
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rv 19:16).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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