Eyes To See

There are so many things we take for granted.  Life.  Health.  The senses:  taste, smell, vision, hearing and touch.  Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  (Matthew 11:15)  We don’t always hear because we don’t always LISTEN.  Some of those who have had Covid have experienced loss of taste and smell.  Anyone who wants to lose a few pounds thinks this would be great.  It isn’t.  Touch is also important for most people.  It’s often talked about how much babies need touch, but so do older folks – and many in between.

I have worn glasses or contacts for years so it’s been a very long time since I had perfect vision.  I am grateful to have something which enables me to see clearly.  But, that’s just the physical.

In the spiritual realm, the only way we can see is by faith.  It is faith that gives us eyes to see.  Jesus told this to the blind man when He told him, “Your FAITH has made you well.”  (Mark 10:52).  It sounds like a contradiction when we read:  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  (Hebrews 11:1).

Not seen?  Then, how can faith give someone sight?  “…he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  (Hebrews 11:6).

A number of years ago, our neighbor made this plaque for me.  When he first brought it over, I thought it was pretty strange.  A piece of wood with some sticks on it.  What’s that all about?  But, as I really studied this “piece of wood”, the light went on and the sticks made sense.  Suddenly, I saw their purpose, what the plaque was saying. When I realized the sticks were only there to point the way, I stopped focusing on the OUTSIDE and looked INSIDE.  Since I saw the truth of it, that reality has never left me and now I see it no other way.  It is faith which gives one eyes to see what could not be seen before.  This is what Paul describes as ” a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.”  (Colossians 2:2).

A popular chorus says:  “Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus…”

Once that happens, nothing else compares.

“I once was blind, but now I see…”   (John 9:25)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…”  (Ephesians 1:18a)