RCPC Greatest Hit from Betty Merritt in 2002
Mark 8:11-13
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.
Mark 8:22-26
They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.”
When the Bible speaks of “seeing,” there is a double meaning. These two short scripture passages describe this.
First, there is physical sight. And how precious that is. I can relate to that after seven eye surgeries! For the dedicated surgeons (who prayed with me prior to these surgeries), I give thanks. And to God, the Great Healer, I give the glory.
But what about the deeper meaning of “seeing?” Oftentimes when someone tells us something, we respond, “I see,” meaning I understand. Now that is seeing with the heart. Because Jesus came to earth, we can see compassion that seeks the lost and the least, we can see forgiveness that knows no limit, we can see the purpose for our loves, and we can see love that was willing to die in order to save us.
During this Lenten season, let us take time to see Jesus. The world about us need to see Jesus. Everybody you meet needs to see Him. Will they see Him in you? Let the words of this wonderful hymn be our prayer:
“Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth you have for me.
Place in my hand the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit Divine.” Amen.