Today, as May 2013 has been prophetically earmarked as the month of great sight in my church, I would like to write on spiritual sight. Sight is the sense that allows us to observe and analyse the environment through receiving and interpreting light radiation. So, there is a strong correlation between sight and light. Make note of this.
However, if the eye is the organ of sight, vision requires the intervention of specialised areas of the brain (the visual cortex) in order to analyse and synthesise the information collected in terms of shape, colour, texture, etc. In other words, it is one thing to see and another thing to accurately understand and interpret what we have seen. Eyes are almost useless when the visual cortex is impaired. Indeed, sometimes, a stroke, brain tumour or head injury can cause a loss in someone’s ability for visual recognition. Even though their eyes are functioning normally, this person may not be able to recognise an object through their sight, but can recognize it through other senses. For instance, they may not be able to recognise and name a relative by looking at them, but when they close their eyes and listen to them, they can immediately make-out who the person is. They may be incapable of naming a banana by looking at it, but after touching/tasting it with their eyes closed, they may now be able to tell what it is. These are visual agnosias. There are other forms of agnosia which can also affect the smell, taste or hearing.
One needs more than just the eyes to see properly. Who knows, may be that blind man in Mk 8:22-25 also suffered from agnosia. In spite of Jesus laying hands on him, he was still seeing men like trees. It is only after a second touch from the LORD that he could now interpret what he saw accurately. Some people suffer from spiritual agnosia: it is written, concerning them, that they have eyes but do not see and ears but do not hear. Indeed, what good is an excellent hearing if not to hear GOD’s voice firstly? What good is a great sight which cannot see the LORD first and foremost? What profit is it to see everything, except the LORD?
After an eye surgery for blindness or cataract, light is the first thing patients notice, as soon as they try to open their eyes. It usually seems so blinding that they need to protect their eyes and gradually get used to the light –which other people no longer notice. This is why I plead that the great sight which we are going to receive this month, first serves to see the light, or at least, to notice it afresh and anew. The main light that must blind us is that of the Sun of righteousness; the light of the One whose glory overshines the light of the sun and the moon (Mal 4:2, Rev 21:23-24). We must first see the LORD (again). As my pastor says, longevity in church is neither synonymous with nor proportional to spiritual sight. Isaiah had been prophesying for some time; but one day, he went into the temple and saw the LORD in a different light (Is 6:1). This can be your story today. The Holy Scriptures can help you in this respect. The illumination that they give should lead us straight to the LORD: “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” (Ps 43:3) Let’s open them; let’s read them; let’s meditate upon them differently and let’s be blinded by them like a recovering blind is blinded by light. This is what we’ll gain from it?
A mirror. After seeing the LORD, the next thing Isaiah saw was his condition and his uncleanness (Is 6:5). Until then, he was not aware of it. Likewise, a blind is not aware of the dirt on his clothes; but once he sees, he can now tidy up his appearance. This month’s great sight should help us fix our spiritual looks in front of the spiritual mirror of the Word and the Spirit of GOD.
Direction. Indeed, His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life. In His light do we see light (Ps 119:105, Pr 6:23, Ps 36:9). It is easier to drive during the day than at night.
Foresight. 2Ki 6.8-12 tells how the king of Israel could avoid all the snares of the king of Syria because he hearkened to the Word of GOD in the mouth of Elisha, the Prophet. We have more than one prophet in the Bible, let’s listen to them and we will equally avoid the devil snares.
Spiritual understanding. The unfolding of His words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Ps 119:130). The Wise man exhorts us saying: get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Pr 4:7). This shows how important it is to understand the times and circumstances in an intelligent way and not suffer from spiritual agnosia.
Courage and zeal. In spite of threats and persecutions, Peter and John told their torturers that they could not but speak of what they had seen and heard (Ac 4:20). Yet, only a few days prior to this, they had all fled and were still hiding… Seeing also enabled the blind man from birth, who was healed by Jesus, not to be intimidated by the Pharisees: “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see… I have told you already –how He has healed me-, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” (Jn 9:25, 27)
I can go on, but I will stop here. Let us seek GOD in the Scriptures and may He open the eyes of our hearts and understanding.
Have a great week!
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