Friday September 3, 2021

Today is Friday, September 3 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it applies to the people of God.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, speak to my heart and my mind in the name of Jesus Christ. God, open the eyes of my heart and restore my sight. Enable me to see your vision for my life. I am waiting for Your words of life spoken over me. Amen.

I glorify God for His steadfast love and goodness with the words of Psalm 119.

Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:17-18

Pause and Pray

One Sabbath day in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus stands up in the synagogue and reads the words from the scroll of Isaiah. He proclaims for all time that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled through Him, the Messiah of God. Jesus proclaims good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. Because of Jesus, the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are made clean, the deaf hear and the dead are raised. One man who wants to see again is Bartimaeus. Outside of Jericho, his prayers are answered when Jesus walks by.

They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:37-43 (ESV)

In the same way Jesus restored a blind beggar’s vision, He restores my vision. I don’t want to acknowledge the truth, but I suspect I have lost sight of some things. Perhaps there are places in my life where I have lost the ability to see. Over time I have developed “blind spots.” Maybe I’ve become blind to the needs of others – numb to the suffering and injustice all around me. Perhaps I am not able to see God’s plan for my future, the path God has for me, or the solution to my problem that is in plain sight. Maybe I’ve lost my ability to see God’s truth and I doubt His Word. Perhaps I have become blind to God’s steadfast love, faithfulness and goodness.

If I want to look really deep inside myself, I might have to put on my bifocals or get a microscope. I have trouble seeing that “speck” of sin within me, even though to God it is a blaring “log” that needs to be removed (Matthew 7:5). To clearly see the sin that is within me I need the Holy Spirit to reveal it to me. I reflect on the words of the hymn, “Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth thou hast for me.”

Ask: Holy Spirit, please reveal what have I become blind to and cannot readily see?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, let me see again. Restore my vision and recover my sight. Reveal to me whatever it is that you want me to see. Raise my awareness and increase my understanding. Show me the hidden obstacles and barriers you want to remove so I can grow in holiness and become more like you. I read the words from John again and seek your direct message for me today.

Ask: What word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage?

They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:37-43

Today I reflect on Jesus restoring the sight of a blind man. I imagine myself on the dusty road of Jericho kneeling at the feet of Jesus as he asks me the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?” How will I respond? What is my answer?

I ponder what God wants to reveal to me through the words of this scripture passage. Am I ready to see it? Are the eyes of my heart open? What vision does God want me to recover so that I can become a better follower of Jesus?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, You are Lord of all. You, who make the blind see, restore my sight. Reveal to my deepest heart what you want me to know. Shine light upon all that is in the dark and expose it. Remind me of all I have forgotten. Lord, let me see again. Restore my sight. Amen.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go with my eyes wide open with a fresh glimpse of Your holiness. Throughout the day reveal those people you want me to see. Let me see them as You see them and love them as You love them. Amen.