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Eyes and Ears which Work

Luke 10:23-24
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.’ (NIVUK)

Most people are neither blind nor deaf.  However, each of these disabilities has a profound effect on the sufferers which they would not wish onto anybody else.  By contrast, few who are spiritually blind or deaf seem to even notice their plight (John 9:40-41).  They are so used to living without God's love and power that they think it is normal: indeed, for God to intervene would change their lives completely.  And that is just what God wants to do!  But many of the crowds who surrounded Jesus had no appreciation of that possibility, despite all the teaching and the signs of His power.

The disciples had observed God at work when Jesus taught and performed many miracles; for them that had become normal.  Their sense of amazement had slipped back into second place.  So, Jesus told them that they needed to think about what they had seen and heard.  Their eyes saw what the Old Testament prophets had predicted (1 Peter 1:10-12), and that Godly Kings had longed for.

He wanted His disciples to share His joy in seeing God's plan come to life as they ministered in the Name of Jesus; but somehow they had taken it all for granted.  So He wanted them to stop, think and appreciate the privilege of being with the Son of God and being allowed to work for Him (Matthew 13:16-17).

Perhaps today's believers can forget the magnitude of the transition in their lives since they came to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.  The Lord becomes taken for granted.  Our spiritual lives cease to thrill with wonder at each answered prayer and fresh strength given at times of weakness.  We should be in no doubt: to know Jesus is amazing, to be freed from the guilt of sin is wonderful, to be able to work as God's representative is awesome.  Each day with Jesus is an adventure that Moses, David or Isaiah could only long for.  This is surely a call to worship, and to give thanks.

 

Prayer 
Gracious God. Thank You for this reminder to appreciate all the blessings I have in Christ. Please forgive me when I take You for granted and assume that Your blessings are my right instead of my privilege. Help me to learn gratitude and may Your Holy Spirit fill me again with the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams