Tom, a reader from Arizona, sent me this carved block of wood years ago which we picture above. Many of you have seen these graphics. Upon first sight it appears to be just strange, illegible characters. It makes no sense until you look very carefully at the letters, perhaps squinting, and then it’s very clear that the letters spell, “Jesus”. In fact, after you see it it’s hard to un-see it!
Today’s Scripture text speaks of a spiritual blindness which blinds the minds of unbelievers.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers”. “The god of this age” is Satan. Such a statement brings a scoffing sneer from the unbeliever. But this false god is very actively at work as demonstrated in the evil we see all around us, including false, idolatrous religious systems that “deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 1:4). This text says he has “has blinded the minds of unbelievers”. We normally associate blindness with the eyes and a physical impairment but in this case the mind is blinded in spiritual darkness.
The other outlook denies this and so many feel they have been “enlightened” to reject what they see as a very simple and primitive religious expression. To them we are simply a product of evolution and “god” is merely a figment of imagination to those they might see as weak, simple, uneducated and unenlightened.
Following his salvation conversion Paul received his call to ministry directly from the Lord; “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17,18).
John Newton, best known for writing “Amazing Grace”, expressed it this way, “I once was blind, but now I see”. I hope your spiritual eyes have been opened and you are rejoicing today in
the gospel of the glory of Christ!Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
