Seeing, They Do Not See

Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”  (John 9:39 ESV)

I was 17 years old and knew everything. Everything, that is, apart from what I wanted to do with my life. My parents were on the far side of the globe serving God, while I was figuring out independent living. A friend of the family gave me a chance to work in his Engineering firm to see if I have any aptitude—I ended up becoming a pastor.

The guys in the shop told me I should shield my eyes when welding, but I knew better, I was going to prove to them that I was a tough guy. But I can also say, with great confidence, that at 2am the next morning I wasn’t a tough guy. Tears streamed down my face as it felt like some unseen bully ground sand into my eyes with the heel of his boot. I was in agony. I was also blind. With eyes wide open, I walked into my blindness.

That’s the way it often is, isn’t it? And in matters of the heart, of the soul, to get this wrong is tragic. Those who come to Jesus claiming sight can’t see just how blind they truly are. But those who come blind, groping for something to cling to, Jesus bends in merciful comfort and wipes the scales from our eyes.

Come blind, friend, and you will see Jesus.