When I was younger (so much younger than today), I needed to sleep with a night-light. If the bulb burned out, or someone inadvertently switched out the light, I might waken in total darkness, knowing that I was blind. I still am a bit out of control on those few occasions that my eyes don’t function right away. But non-seeing isn’t just a physical condition: some folks are chronically short-sighted, others don’t really want to see any brokenness because that might disrupt their own self-worth in their own kingdom. Scripture assigned to the upcoming weekend addresses blindness, both literally and metaphorically. I thank the late William A. Highfield for his notes on these passages.
I Samuel 16:1-23 tells the story of the Prophet Samuel being directed by YHWH to anoint a new king of Israel, since Saul hadn’t followed directions. Samuel knows that one of the many sons of Jesse is to receive this anointing–but which one? So all the likely candidates are paraded before him and YHWH–“Nope”; “Not this one”; “Nor this one”. “Is that all the sons you have?” “Well, there’s the kid who’s keeping the wolves from the sheep.” Long story short, Samuel’s eyes were opened and delighted with young David, who was then anointed to save Israel from the ravages of surrounding nations. Insight and recognition are evidently prime in holy history.
The Ephesians text, 5:8-14, reflects that “Christians are called to live in the light which all share–the light of Christ”. (Highfield) When we become sighted, we recognize “what is pleasing to the Lord”. Further, we’re urged to move in full disclosure: “Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
John 9: 1-41 is a real gem! The Story of Jesus and the Man born Blind is another unique tale employed by the author to lift up the Godly relationship with the outcast or misfit: this man was undoubtedly excluded from Temple worship due to his handicap–either he or his parents must be atrocious sinners. The mud with which Jesus anointed the man’s eyes was “holy” because of Jesus’ spit. Is this reminiscent of an early Creation story where God made similar mud to make humanity? And was Jesus’ application a way of making the incomplete Whole? Some will say that this also was a reference to Baptism/ cleansing. NOW who can see? Touched by Jesus, we all are perfected and enabled to both see and know Eternal Truth. Note that the Blind Man’s description of Jesus progresses from “the man” (v.11) to “a prophet” (v.17) to “Son of Man” (v.35). It often takes a season of exposure to realize just what we’re seeing…
Like the water we never miss ’til the well goes dry, sight is something we take for granted and rarely think much about. Yet the ravages of inner blindness are a curse on contemporary culture: do we marvel at a sunset and weep for the under-nourished of Africa? Can I stand for long minutes drinking in the palette of an Old Master and pass by the young woman with all her possessions in a shopping-cart? Perhaps I can yet be shaken from my selective sight…
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My encounter with lessons prescribed for the upcoming weekend can be enjoined every Tuesday at this spot on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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