I Can See Clearly Now
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, for fresh understanding. May I see something new today.
Read MARK 8:22–26
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When was the last time you learned something new about God? What difference did it make to you?Bethsaida was a busy fishing town, but it was a hard-hearted place that did not respond to Jesus (Matt. 11:21). The townspeople seem to be like the Pharisees, looking for a sign. Again Jesus moves physically away from them, taking the man out of the town and sending him away after he is healed.
The man’s journey to sight was in stages, but Jesus did not condemn him for not being able to see everything. He touches him a second time (25). He is merciful as we should be merciful with those who are on their own journey of faith, maybe struggling to understand Christianity.
The man finally saw things clearly, but did he really see Jesus the Messiah or did he just see a healer? Paul, who was also healed of blindness, says we now “see only a reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corin. 13:12). We do not see everything clearly yet, no matter how much we know. We must keep humbly looking for a fresh revelation of Jesus.
Apply
Pray for those coming gradually to faith to receive a new touch from Jesus. Whom do you know that you could help?
Closing prayer
I praise You, God, that You always have new things to show us about You. Please open my eyes.
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