Tag: eyes opened
Believe and receive!
Scripture reading for October 26th: John 9, Psalm 64, Proverbs 28
John 9: 30-38 “The man answered, “Why this is an amazing thing! You do not know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out (of the synagogue). Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him He said, “Do you believe in the Son of man?” He answered, “And Who is He, Sir, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen Him, and it is He Who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him.”
John records this amazing miracle done by Jesus for a man who was born blind. The disciples had just asked why the man was born blind: Was it because of his sin or his parents? Jesus answered that neither case was true, but only that God’s works might be displayed in his life. He then anointed the man’s eyes with mud made from dust and saliva. He told the man to wash in the pool of Siloam and as he obeyed, sight was restored. All were in amazement and they questioned the man about who did this and how he did it. The Pharisees questioned him as well, finding out it was Jesus doing this, and on the Sabbath, they condemned the miracle. But faith had entered this blind man’s heart and eyes were opened physically and spiritually to receive sight and insight! Jesus revealed Himself to this man who was put out of the synagogue. He now worshiped Jesus as the Son of Man! The Pharisees became more blind than him!
Psalm 64: 7-9 “But God shoots His arrow at them; they are wounded suddenly. They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; all who see them will wag their heads. Then all mankind fears; they tell what God has brought about and ponder what He has done.”
Prayer: Father God, how amazing is the miracle of sight for a man born blind! Yet more amazing still is his seeing Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, Savior and Healer! Help me to share Your love for the blind and lost through the Holy Spirit and even creative miracles that open eyes of understanding to reveal Jesus Christ the Savior through preaching of the Gospel. May all fear and testify of God’s works!
Proverbs 28:6 “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
Claiming the promise!
Scripture reading for May 7th: 2nd Kings 6-9, Acts 2
Key Scriptures: Acts 2:37-39 “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off; everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
Peter preached to the crowd gathered at Pentecost that had witnesses the 120 speaking in tongues and telling the wonderful works of God. He told them that that promise of salvation and empowerment was for them, their children, and even for the Gentiles! God was calling everyone to Himself!
2nd Kings 6:16-17 “He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” The Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Prayer: Lord, I want to claim the promise of salvation and power to be Your witness each day of the remainder of my life. Keep my spiritual eyes open to Your abundant help. Amen.
A “heart-warming” story!
Scripture reading for October 27th: Luke 22-24
Two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus on the Sunday afternoon after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One was named Cleopas and the other disciple is not named. They were discussing the events of the Passover week that had just passed. They were disciples of Jesus who were still reeling from their Master’s sudden crucifixion. And that morning the women had come and told them that Jesus was risen! (Luke 24:9-12) Peter had found the grave clothes lying there by themselves with no sign of Jesus’ body. All were perplexed and wondered what had happened to Him. As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined them on the road and walked with them. They did not initially recognize Him, but He struck up a conversation.
As Jesus asked them what they were discussing, they began to tell Him their experiences of the past week. They told Him the whole story about the crucifixion of Jesus and the empty tomb. Jesus then spoke clearly to them from the Law and the Prophets, showing them how the Messiah must suffer and die and enter His glory. I’m sure it was an interesting Bible Study on that road that day and the time passed quickly. Suddenly, they were at their destination and they had hardly begun. They invited this Man to stay and eat with them.
As they sat at the table, Jesus took the bread, and gave thanks, and broke it to give to them. During this simple act of fellowship around the table, their eyes were opened and they beheld Him! He then disappeared from their sight! They remembered how their hearts had burned when Jesus had opened the Scriptures and talked with them. (Luke 24:30-32) Jesus was walking with them and they had not known Him!
This story is heart-warming for us today! What a gracious Savior who would care so dearly for His followers! The Heavenly Father has given each of us the Holy Spirit to be with us daily on our walk. (John 16:13-16) He sets our hearts on fire for Him! Each time we partake of the “Lord’s Supper”, we can have Him revealed to us as we give thanks, break the bread and drink the cup! (Luke 22:17-19) We are so blessed to know Him and enjoy His heart-warming love! One day we will see Him face to face!