THE BLIND DO SEE

There are several references to the blind being healed in the Bible; some are prophetic (Ps. 146:8; Isa. 29:18; 35:5; 42:7, 16, 18; Jer. 31:8; etc.), and some describe the actual events (Mt. 11:5; 12:22; 15:30-31; 20:30-34; 21:14; etc.).  Unless one looks at the context of the passage, it is often difficult to determine if the blindness has to do with a person being able to see with his eyes, or with a person who can see perfectly well with his eyes, but be totally blind to spiritual truth.  Spiritual blindness is a far more serious malady, in that there is danger of eternal consequences (Mt. 23:14-39; etc.).

As is clear from Scripture, Jesus healed both forms of blindness.  In fact, one of our favorite hymns says, "I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see."  What is seldom discussed by believers is the fact that God claims to be responsible for one's physical blindness.  Exodus 4:11 says, "And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?"

Spiritual blindness, on the other hand, is the work of Satan.  Paul wrote, " But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Cor. 4:4).  God has allowed the temporary spiritual blindness of Israel in order to provide redemption to the entire human race (Jn. 1:11-12; Rom. 11:25; Eph. 4:18).   

In John 9:1-41, Jesus confirmed that God was responsible for a man's physical blindness, but that His Father has a good purpose for all He does.  Jesus told His disciples that the man was born blind so that the seeing could have their eyes opened to see the Son of God!  The healing of the blind was one of the signs that would identify Him when He came, and as a result, there were several instances where He gave sight to the blind.  In this particular case, the blind man received both his physical sight and his spiritual sight (Jn. 9:7, 35-38)!

I noticed in today's Our Daily Bread devotion, that Bartimaeus, though physically blind, had great spiritual insight as to the identity of Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52).  He knew He was a healer, that He lived in Nazareth, and yet, he knew He was from the lineage of David; Bethlehem, not Nazareth, was the city of David (Mic. 5:2; Lk. 2:4).  I find it very interesting that Bartimaeus, when told to go his way, chose to follow Jesus, THE WAY (Mk. 10:52; Jn. 14:6)!

When Jesus truly opens your eyes, you will choose to follow Him!