Benediction - Scripture

Scriptural Reference:

Spiritual Blindness:
John 9:39 ESV
Jesus said, “For judgement I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”

Ephesians 2:2 ESV In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Romans 11:25 ESV Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

Reflection:

The absence of light is darkness. In the absence of love there is hate. As well as in the absences of a positive there is negative. It may be true that there is always the plausibility of a neutral position. But how helpful is a perfect neutral position? When a response is required and the only response is to walk away. Neither affected in a positive or negative way. Leaving the situation. It's sad how easily a void, even one that seemingly is neutral, is soon filled with the negative when the positive has been lost or rejected.

How is it that Humanity has become Co Dependent to their Five Senses. To the point of becoming Spiritually Blind? Once we were at one with a deeper understanding that the World was divided into two distinctive parts. One being the Physical and the other the Spiritual. The Physical World we could easily come to terms with as it affected us through our five senses. While we still had the higher sense to detect and seek the Spiritual World. That World that had an effect on us in ways both physical and non physical.

Where did this special intuitiveness go? As we reflect the Scripture noted above we could seek to understand something of this blindness. The first seems to be difficult and problematic. In one hand it portrays Jesus as giving sight to the blind while taking it from others. Does this imply that those that have lost sight might get it back later? Or does it imply that Jesus has decided that some will see things as they are while others who have displeased him will be blind to the truth?

Perhaps the answer in this is somewhere in-between. For those who are really blind spiritually and yet seek the truth as expressed in the Bible; for these Jesus is promising to open up their understanding and their spiritual sight will be manifested in a recognition to those things that are truly of a spiritual nature. While those who have rejected the Gospel message and have rejected Jesus; for these they will find that no matter how they try and come to terms with the Gospel on their terms, their sight will be clouded and blinded. Otherwise they would just continue top corrupt the truth to fit their personal agendas and desires.

The second we read a message from Paul to the followers of the Way in the Church of Ephesia. Where he firstly reflects on their original state of blindness. Their willingness before to follow the World. A World that is ruled by the Prince of the Air, also known as Satan. The great adversary of Christians. He explains this spirit is the one that rules and leads the sons of disobedience.

( Okay, so before I get told of for politically incorrect grammar, the term 'sons' here is depicted in an old grammar form that refers to everyone. Inclusive of male female, young and old. There got that out of the way.)

So in this second scripture reference we see a mention of the blindness of the World and those that have chosen to follow the ruler of the World. A reflection on what was but no longer is. A good reassurance to the believers that they are liberated and are able to rest assured they have a clearer sight then those who are stumbling through the World in their denial and self inflicted blindness.

As a sort of reaffirmation of the previous verse; we find mention again of the way the Prince of the Air or Satan has blinded and continues to keep blind those who follow him. Otherwise if, like Paul, the scales were to fall off their eyes they would see the error of their ways. These are not mentioned as being blind due to Jesus doing anything. But seemingly are blind due to their own choice to be so. As well as at the encouragement of Satan. Like the old quote says...

"None so Blind as they who refuse to See"

The word Wow comes to mind when I read this verse. A partial hardening of Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles comes about or comes in. I am of course in the category or group of a Gentile. Though being born in a Jewish Hospital and being circumcised; I can't claim a Jewish heritage. But what I can claim along with all who are Gentiles is the saving Grace that God has provided for the whole World.

So getting back to this verse. Does this mean that the Jewish nation will be somehow partially blind until the time comes when the Gentiles have come to the Lord in the fulness of time? If so, when would that time be? How long and how many Gentiles would have to be saved to remove this partial blindness on the part of the Jewish people? What of all those who have passed away and have not seen the day of Salvation as depicted by most Christian Churches? Good questions and solid fertile ground for future Scriptural Reflections.

But for the purpose of this reflection, I would venture to say that we know that God has a special place in his heart for the Jewish people. Even though they have continued to reject the fulfilment of the Old Testament Prophecies. In Gods time, and not in ours, he will bring about all things to the Glory of his Divine purpose. So that in Gods time, even the rebellious Jewish nation will have their Spiritual Sight restored.

So where does that leave us? How should I close this reflection? I'd like to close this by challenging you the reader to have your Spiritual Eyes checked. When was the last time you sat down in a quite undisturbed place and read the Bible? When was the last time you took a walk in a peaceful place where you could feel the presence and peace of a God that longs to embrace you in his Grace?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
The World is full of,
Flashing lights,
Blinding images,
Harsh visions,
Cruel indifference,

And I take this time,
To close my eyes,
Focusing on you,
The light of your Grace,
The image of your love,
The vision of your Salvation.

May I never lose sight of you,
For you are my true sight.

I pray this in your name,
Jesus of Nazareth.

Amen

Light Vs Darkness
HOME SCRIPTURE POETRY	Scriptural Reference: Spiritual Blindness: John 9:39 ESV Jesus said, “For judgement I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Ephesians 2:2 ESV In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Romans 11:25 ESV Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Reflection: The absence of light is darkness. In the absence of love there is hate. As well as in the absences of a positive there is negative. It may be true that there is always the plausibility of a neutral position. But how helpful is a perfect neutral position? When a response is required and the only response is to walk away. Neither affected in a positive or negative way. Leaving the situation. It's sad how easily a void, even one that seemingly is neutral, is soon filled with the negative when the positive has been lost or rejected. How is it that Humanity has become Co Dependent to their Five Senses. To the point of becoming Spiritually Blind? Once we were at one with a deeper understanding that the World was divided into two distinctive parts. One being the Physical and the other the Spiritual. The Physical World we could easily come to terms with as it affected us through our five senses. While we still had the higher sense to detect and seek the Spiritual World. That World that had an effect on us in ways both physical and non physical. Where did this special intuitiveness go? As we reflect the Scripture noted above we could seek to understand something of this blindness. The first seems to be difficult and problematic. In one hand it portrays Jesus as giving sight to the blind while taking it from others. Does this imply that those that have lost sight might get it back later? Or does it imply that Jesus has decided that some will see things as they are while others who have displeased him will be blind to the truth? Perhaps the answer in this is somewhere in-between. For those who are really blind spiritually and yet seek the truth as expressed in the Bible; for these Jesus is promising to open up their understanding and their spiritual sight will be manifested in a recognition to those things that are truly of a spiritual nature. While those who have rejected the Gospel message and have rejected Jesus; for these they will find that no matter how they try and come to terms with the Gospel on their terms, their sight will be clouded and blinded. Otherwise they would just continue top corrupt the truth to fit their personal agendas and desires. The second we read a message from Paul to the followers of the Way in the Church of Ephesia. Where he firstly reflects on their original state of blindness. Their willingness before to follow the World. A World that is ruled by the Prince of the Air, also known as Satan. The great adversary of Christians. He explains this spirit is the one that rules and leads the sons of disobedience. ( Okay, so before I get told of for politically incorrect grammar, the term 'sons' here is depicted in an old grammar form that refers to everyone. Inclusive of male female, young and old. There got that out of the way.) So in this second scripture reference we see a mention of the blindness of the World and those that have chosen to follow the ruler of the World. A reflection on what was but no longer is. A good reassurance to the believers that they are liberated and are able to rest assured they have a clearer sight then those who are stumbling through the World in their denial and self inflicted blindness. As a sort of reaffirmation of the previous verse; we find mention again of the way the Prince of the Air or Satan has blinded and continues to keep blind those who follow him. Otherwise if, like Paul, the scales were to fall off their eyes they would see the error of their ways. These are not mentioned as being blind due to Jesus doing anything. But seemingly are blind due to their own choice to be so. As well as at the encouragement of Satan. Like the old quote says... "*None so Blind as they who refuse to See*" The word Wow comes to mind when I read this verse. A partial hardening of Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles comes about or comes in. I am of course in the category or group of a Gentile. Though being born in a Jewish Hospital and being circumcised; I can't claim a Jewish heritage. But what I can claim along with all who are Gentiles is the saving Grace that God has provided for the whole World. So getting back to this verse. Does this mean that the Jewish nation will be somehow partially blind until the time comes when the Gentiles have come to the Lord in the fulness of time? If so, when would that time be? How long and how many Gentiles would have to be saved to remove this partial blindness on the part of the Jewish people? What of all those who have passed away and have not seen the day of Salvation as depicted by most Christian Churches? Good questions and solid fertile ground for future Scriptural Reflections. But for the purpose of this reflection, I would venture to say that we know that God has a special place in his heart for the Jewish people. Even though they have continued to reject the fulfilment of the Old Testament Prophecies. In Gods time, and not in ours, he will bring about all things to the Glory of his Divine purpose. So that in Gods time, even the rebellious Jewish nation will have their Spiritual Sight restored. So where does that leave us? How should I close this reflection? I'd like to close this by challenging you the reader to have your Spiritual Eyes checked. When was the last time you sat down in a quite undisturbed place and read the Bible? When was the last time you took a walk in a peaceful place where you could feel the presence and peace of a God that longs to embrace you in his Grace? Prayer: Lord Jesus, The World is full of, Flashing lights, Blinding images, Harsh visions, Cruel indifference, And I take this time, To close my eyes, Focusing on you, The light of your Grace, The image of your love, The vision of your Salvation. May I never lose sight of you, For you are my true sight. I pray this in your name, Jesus of Nazareth. Amen

Light Vs Darkness