Video Transition: Blindness -The ability to see!
Series: Love came for me!
Thesis: “Love is God” says 1 John 4:8 or to reverse this thought “God is Love.” God is the one who minted and defined what Love is. John 1:1 tells us Jesus and God are one which also implies that Jesus is love. Jesus who is also love came for you and me over 2,000 years ago to set us free, help us see, bring us peace and also to enable us to display the splendor of God in our lives.
Introduction Series:
Our new series is “Love came for me” based out of John 3:16! The Gospel of John in chapter 1 points to the historical fact that Jesus is “Love” and He came for each and everyone one of us to save us! Is that not amazing to ponder? Is that not worth meditating on? Love came for me born as a baby in a manger so I could be free – so I could see – so that I could have peace! He did it for me!
Over this next month we will be rediscovering – or for some discovering how Love came for you and me! Over 2,000 years ago as a baby and the purpose and meaning behind His coming!
Love came to do very specific things in our life according to Jesus -- let’s recall a scripture reference to help us see this fact:
In the Old Testament there is a prophetic passage which is found in the book of Isaiah which speaks of what the Savior will do when He comes:
Isa 61:1-3: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor and release from darkness for the prisoners…
This prophetic word was spoken about 650 - 700 hundred years ago before Jesus was born! But it was announcing and paving the way for the divine pinnacle moment of Jesus’ life and ministry:
Let’s read Luke 4:18-21: – Jesus fulfilled and proclaimed why He “Love” came to this earth from heaven – He explained by quoting the above verse in the following scenario around 30AD! He let us all know what His mission was!
18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Could you imagine this scene in the synagogue? He announced He was the fulfillment of this Scripture – He was the Messiah – I can only imagine the initial comments “Did he just say he fulfilled this?” “Is he claiming to be the Savior?” Then their realization and reaction “He is!” He is Joseph’s son – a nobody – no Savior – no deliverer – and they became furious with Jesus! They were so angry they wanted to throw Him off the cliff and kill Him for His claims but Jesus slipped away in the crowd. Wow, what a reaction to love coming for each of them od set them free, help them see and find peace!
But Jesus introduced all of us as to the reasons why He love came for us in this moment in time in Nazareth – His home town. Let’s look at some of the reasons He came from heaven to Earth:
Why did love come? Jesus gave the following reasons when He used this prophetic Word to introduce His purpose on earth:
1. To set us free! (Summary of this message last week)
1. To set free the brokenhearted free, to release the prisoners from their cells of bondage, to set the captives free and to deliver the oppressed.
i. Let’s say this truth together “Jesus came to set me free!” “Only truth can make me free!”
2. To help us see!
1. Jesus came to give sight to those who are blind!
i. Many today think they can see clearly but in reality and spiritually they are blind.
ii. We will talk more about this is in a moment!
3. To bring us peace!
1. It seems as if every Miss America or Miss Universe wish for world peace – a common wish at these pageants and I think this is a wish for a lot of people today.
i. In the world we live this seems impossible does it not?
ii. But Jesus came down to bring us peace and at Christmas time this sense of peace rises up more than other times of the year!
2. Jesus gives us peace which helps us to be glad and not sad.
3. Jesus gives us peace to help us praise Him for the gift of mercy and love.
4. Jesus said “Peace” is attainable in this life but it is only found in Him – no other source can bring peace – He is the Prince of Peace!
4. To help us display His glory or splendor!
1. Jesus came to this earth and to you and me so that others could see the splendor of the Lord in our lives!
i. Why did he do this so that we could pass it on to others!
1. We are not to hoard Jesus but pass Him on to others!
ii. Jesus wants everyone to be free, to see, and to have peace in His Love.
1. Christmas Eve – displaying His splendor (His glory) – the light of Christmas – story of It’s a Wonderful Life.
2. Christmas Day – displaying His splendor (His glory) – by loving others and giving to others – story of Scrooge.
Sermon 2: Love came to help me see!
Thesis: Jesus came to help us to see that there is another realm impacting our lives every day but it can only be seen with spiritual eyes. We need to see what He saw so our perception and perspectives are heavenly and spiritually discerning. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to help us see clearly in a cloudy confusing world of darkness.
Scripture:
Matthew 15:12-14:
12Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
13He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.
14Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Matthew 23:16-22:
16“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?
18You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’
19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it.
22And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.
Introduction:
Love came for me so I could see!
About 40 years ago at Outreach Church I met a lady “Judy” she was a blind piano player for at Outreach Church in Mpls, Mn. She about once a month would come and play piano for our church service. I sat in amazement at her as she played the piano blind and wow could she play! Now Outreach church was an African American Pentecostal Church and our worships service went about 1 ½ hours. She always amazed me as she played those keys! Judy got around really well for a blind person in my view using her cane and ears to navigate the streets of North Mpls. She lived on the North side of Mpls in the projects and a few times Pastor Nate had me go pick her up for service and help her with furniture, groceries and things with in her apartment. I stood once for a moment and watched her walk the neighborhood and I was just amazed at the resiliency of the human mind and her ability to get around. Here this lady had basically memorized the layout of her neighborhood, and she walked where she needed to go without seeing a single thing. She did great unless something was out of place in her house, or at church or on the streets (like construction). It was obvious when things changed around her she was confused. She would always tell me to make sure I left her lights on to prevent people from breaking into her apartment. She also always asked me to check her drapes and blinds to make sure they were closed. As I walked with her, I couldn’t help praising God for my eyes.
I have over the last year had a lot of eye issues – the doctor tells me I am suffering from the effects of the many years of full contact martial arts – I have had a lot of floaters in my eyes and one day I lost sight in my right eye for a split second – it was very scary to experience. So I have come to treasure my eyes!
One author worded it this way: The following from https://bible.org/article/your-spiritual-vision-2020-meditations-psalm-73
“These two little balls of fluid nestled into sockets in my head mean the world to me. I imagine if I said that “sight” is probably the most important sense we have, you would all agree. I think I would rather lose a finger than lose my eyes. These eyeballs are a wonder of engineering. You think your digital camera is complex. Think for a moment about all the parts of your eye: start with the SCLERA, the outer part of your eye that holds this little ball of jelly together, or the CORNEA, the transparent front of your eye that lets light in, or the IRIS, the adjustable part of your eye that controls the amount of light that actually gets into your eye, or the RETINA the projection screen of your eye that receives the light, or the OPTIC NERVE that carries the light signals to your BRAIN, which is actually the “seeing” organ. Let’s stop here because the brain is unbelievably complex. The actual process by which you look at an object and “see” is an astounding process that involves: light waves, chemicals reactions, electrical impulses that all work together with split second precision. Take a look at the room around you, and notice the colors, notice the seamless way you perceive depth, think about how your eye reacts to light, how it focuses almost instantaneously. It is simply unbelievable what God has made. If you are ever at a loss for things to praise God for, stop and think about your eyes. If that’s not enough to make you cry out in thanksgiving . . . you must be, well, blind.
A Serious Limitation
But as powerful as your eyeballs are, they have one significant limitation. Every single eye in this room has a fatal flaw. Your eyes can only see physical reality. Every eye in this room is limited to seeing physical things: cars, people, buildings, planes, dogs, grass, pollution, microbes, trees, books, computers. These things are all physical, and they are the only part of reality accessible to our eyes. Our eyeballs are completely useless when it comes to perceiving spiritual reality. The spiritual side of life is just as real as the physical side; we just can’t see it. Oh, don’t make the mistake of thinking that the spiritual is less real than the physical. It is not. It is just as real, only we can’t see it. But it’s there and as real as eyeballs in your head.”
Song: Amazing Grace:
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
John Newton, Olney Hymns, 1779
“Amazing Grace” is probably the most beloved hymn of the last two centuries. The soaring spiritual religious elation is estimated to be performed 10 million times annually and has appeared on over 11,000 albums. It was referenced in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin and had a surge of popularity during two of the nation’s greatest crises: the Civil War and the Vietnam War.
Between 1970 and 1972, Judy Collins’ recording spent 67 weeks on the chart and peaked at number 5. Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Elvis are among the many artists to record this powerful song.
Ironically, this stirring song, has been closely associated with the African-American community, but it was written by a former slave trader, John Newton.
Newton was born in 1725 in London to a Puritan mother who died two weeks before his seventh birthday, and a stern sea-captain father who took him to sea at age 11. After many voyages and a reckless youth of drinking, Newton was impressed into the British navy. After attempting to desert, he received eight dozen lashes and was reduced to the rank of common seaman.
While later serving on the Pegasus, a slave ship, Newton did not get along with the crew who left him in West Africa with Amos Clowe, a slave trader. Clowe gave Newton to his wife Princess Peye, an African royal who treated him vilely as she did her other slaves.
He was rescued from slavery by a sea captain a friend of his father who had asked him to look for the missing John.
During the voyage home, the ship was caught in a horrendous storm off the coast of Ireland and almost sank. Newton prayed to God and the cargo miraculously shifted to fill a hole in the ship’s hull and the vessel drifted to safety. Newton took this as a sign from the Almighty and marked it as his conversion to Christianity. He did not radically change his ways at once, his total reformation was more gradual. "I cannot consider myself to have been a believer in the full sense of the word, until a considerable time afterwards,” he later wrote. He did begin reading the Bible at this point and began to view his captives with a more sympathetic and biblical view.
In real life, Newton continued to sell his fellow human beings, making three voyages as the captain of two different slave vessels, The Duke of Argyle and the African. He suffered a stroke in 1754 and retired, but continued to invest in the business. In 1764, he was ordained as an Anglican priest and wrote 280 hymns to accompany his services. He wrote the words for “Amazing Grace” in 1772 (In 1835, William Walker put the words to the popular tune “New Britain”)
It was not until 1788, 34 years after leaving the slave trade business that he renounced his former slaving profession by publishing a blazing pamphlet called “Thoughts Upon the Slave Trade.” The tract described the horrific conditions on slave ships and Newton apologized for making a public statement so many years after participating in the trade: “It will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me, that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders.” The pamphlet was so popular it was reprinted several times and sent to every member of Parliament. Under the leadership of MP William Wilberforce, the English civil government outlawed slavery in Great Britain in 1807 and Newton lived to see it, dying in December of that year. The passage of the Slave Trade Act is depicted in the 2006 film, also called Amazing Grace, starring Albert Finney as Newton and Loan Gruffud as Wilberforce.
The above is from http://www.biography.com/news/amazing-grace-story-john-newton
1. Jesus came to give sight to those who are blind!
a. John 9:13-25-40: The Pharisees Investigate the Healing of a blind man by Jesus:
i. 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. 15Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?” So they were divided. 17Finally they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19“Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20“We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. 23That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” 28Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.
b. Jesus points out Spiritual Blindness
i. 35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
c. You may think you can see but He is talking spiritual eyes here – to give spiritual sight to the spiritually blind.
i. We cannot see into the spiritual realm without the help of the Lord – This is why God sent the Holy Spirit!
ii. Reference: Peretti’s books and how he painted a clear picture of the spiritual realm most of us do not see!
a. Quote from Monster: “Sin is the Monster we love to deny. It is crouching at the door and it wants you, but you must overcome it.” ? Frank E. Peretti
b. Quote: “Staying alive is nice, but you can’t do that forever. It’s how you live the life you have while you have it.” ? Frank E. Peretti, Monster
c. Quote: “Mankind without truth, without God-given morals...has strength...can think...can feel things emotionally–but if he isn't given a good, solid standard for right and wrong, then there's nothing to keep him from using strength and reason and feelings in selfish...even destructive ways...We wonder why people do such evil things, why there's so much violence in the world, why people rob and cheat and betray each other. But when we erase truth from our thinking and say there's no right or wrong except for what each person thinks is right or wrong, well, we get the world we deserve...when there's no truth that applies to everyone, then there's no way to argue for the rightness or wrongness of anything...” ? Frank E. Peretti, Nightmare Academy
d. Quote: “Spirit, who are you?' Andy demanded.
Bobby remained silent, his entire body strained, his lips tightly together, his eyes bulging out. He was taking frantic, short breaths through his nose. His face was crimson. Spirit,' said Andy, 'I command you to tell us who you are in Jesus' name! 'Don't you mention that name!' the spirit hissed and then cursed. I will mention that name again and again,' said Hank. You know that name has defeated you.” ? Frank E. Peretti
iii. Frank Peretti has a way of telling a story and making a spiritual point while he is telling it in His books. If I could summarize his main theme it would be “There is another world out there and you can only see it through spiritual eyes. But it is there whether you choose to see it or not!”
iv. We cannot see into the spiritual realm unless the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual sight.
1. Quote: “Tragically, the eyes of many Christians don’t see very well either. Often our spiritual vision is blinded by the glare of what our physical eyes see. I want to convince you that it is more important to make sure your spiritual eyes can see clearly than almost anything else you do.”
a. Psalm 73: 1Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. 6Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. 7From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. 8They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. 9Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.10Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 11They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” 12This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they increase in wealth.13Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.14All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. 15If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed your children. 16When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.18Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. 19How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! 20As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. 21When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
2. Psalm 73 is what students of the Bible call an individual song of thanksgiving or a wisdom Psalm.
a. In this Psalm, a single author stands before a congregation of gathered worshipers and gives praise to God for delivering him from some difficult circumstances. The testimony time has multiple purposes. First, the psalmist wants to thank God for deliverance; second, he wants to provide a warning to others about what almost happened to him; third, he wants to encourage his listeners to greater faith in God.
b. The Psalm is about how God gave this Psalmist the ability to see things through his spiritual eyes.
T.S. – Not only do we need to know that we need to see into the spiritual realm like Jesus sees but we must be in tune and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so and then when we see we will change our mindsets, perceptions and our faith will increase.
2. We need to see that we do not have to mourn/grieve or fear anymore in this fallen world – this only happens when we see what Jesus see’s!
a. We need to see that greater is He that is with us than He that is in the world.
i. 2 Kings 6:8-17-23:
1. 8Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” 9The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” 12“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 13“Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike these people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. 19Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. 20After they entered the city, Elisha said, “LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. 21When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” 22“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 23So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.
ii. Elisha helping the servant see into the spiritual realm changes his perception and drives out fear and morning that they are doomed!
1. Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see " And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
T.S. – We need to see into the spiritual realm and have the blinders removed from our eyes. This happens by prayer, by the power of the Holy Spirit then we will see that we do not have to mourn or think there is no hope, or even fear. Why, because we will see spiritually the protection and strength of the Lord in our life.
3. We need to see the favor of the Lord in our life!
a. We need to see Him and receive His amazing love which reveals how much He loves us.
i. Ephesians 2:4-5: 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
ii. 2 Thess. 3:5: 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
b. We need to know that we were wonderfully made by the Lord and we did not evolve from apes as evolutionist believe and insist.
i. I read Perettis book “Monster” Friday and Saturday and was reminded how dangerous this theory is – even Darwin recanted it on his death bed, according to Christian history sources.
ii. We need to see that we belong to Jesus not this fallen world and His favor is on us as a believer!
1. John 15:19: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you
2. 2 Cor. 10:3-4: For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ
c. We need to see that we are His children adopted into the Kingdom of God – we are Royalty!
i. Romans 8:16: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
1. Quote: “the depth of a person's character is not measured by his or her physical strength, but by the depth of his or her nobility.” ? Frank E. Peretti
a. Ephesians 1:5: he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
b. 1 John 3:1: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Conclusion:
Love - Jesus - came to help us see! To remove the blindness the world and Satan has placed over our eyes!
One preached stated:
“I want to try to persuade you that as valuable as your physical eyesight is, you have a set of spiritual eyes that are even more valuable. Not only do you have spiritual eyes, but you must use them if you want to live a life that finds its satisfaction in God. Every human being has spiritual eyes. God gave them to us so that we could apprehend the spiritual realities of life. Sadly, those who have not trusted Christ are completely blind spiritually. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4: But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, emphasis mine).”
What have we learned about spiritual blindness and spiritual sight?
• We need to see what Jesus sees through the Holy Spirit – the spiritual realm!
• We need to see that we do not have to mourn, grieve or fear in this world!
• We need to see that we have the favor of the Lord in this life!
What do we need to do in light of this truth?
• If we learn to see like Jesus see’s then our perception of situations changes and our faith is strengthened!
• If we learn to see that there is a hope in this world which can change any situation it encourages us and it lets us know we are not alone in this world.
• If we learn to see that we are not condemned but forgiven when we repent, that in the reality of grace we are children of God! Then our heads can be held high as the royalty of Heaven. When we see that we belong to the King of Kings and our hearts and minds will change!
