22And they came to Beth-sa'ida. And some people brought to him a blind man, and begged him to touch him. 23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the village; and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" 24And he looked up and said, "I see men; but they look like trees, walking." 25Then again he laid his hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and saw everything clearly. 26And he sent him away to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village."
Interesting that Jesus takes the blind man by the hand and leads him out of the village. It seems to me that we need to let go of the past and walk away from past influences before we can see new light. Then it’s interesting that the man heals in stages. At first, he sees something but its blurry. It takes Jesus to intervene again before the man sees clearly. Finally, Jesus warns the man not to return to his previous ways. When you come to the light, staying there needs its own set of disciplines. Trying to maintain what has been attained is impossible if one returns to old ways. These themes are true to any aspect of life. Currently, I am trying to get fitter and lose belly fat. I have to walk away from old habits. I have to embrace new practices. And I have to make sure I do not return to past ways. Loving Father, walk with me on this journey of enlightenment. Keep me away from old ways. Give me the perseverance to transition a blurred vision to a sharpened one. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a powerful reflection, drawing a clear connection between spiritual transformation and personal discipline. You’ve captured the essence of the passage beautifully—how growth requires leaving behind old influences, embracing gradual change, and committing to a new way of living.
DeleteI especially like your emphasis on the need for perseverance. So often, people experience moments of clarity or inspiration but struggle to maintain them because they return to the same environment or habits that kept them in darkness. You’re right—staying in the light requires discipline. It’s not a one-time event but an ongoing journey.
Your personal example of fitness and health is a great parallel. Physical and spiritual transformation both require intentional choices, patience with gradual progress, and a commitment to not reverting to past habits. It’s a reminder that grace and effort go hand in hand.
Your closing prayer is especially meaningful. The request for perseverance and guidance acknowledges that we don’t walk this journey alone—we need God’s help to keep moving forward.