This past Friday, a small group of volunteers that comprise Honey’s Place gathered to listen to a song and pray before opening the bay doors. The song, All Things Together (10,000 Fathers), includes a line that reminds me of the blindness we all suffer and God’s amazing gift to be healed from this Spiritual blindness.
When I’m blinded, when I’m hopeless
All Things Together, by 10,000 Fathers
Will I have the eyes to see?
Understanding our own inability to see clearly that which is right in front of us is key to serving at HOPE Missions in any capacity. As we read and study John’s Gospel, it’s quite obvious that most of those who heard Jesus speak didn’t understand the message. While we like to portray such people as simpleminded, that is simply not the case. They didn’t get the message because they were blind to what Jesus was saying.
Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”
John 7:12
Reading this verse compels us to ask the question: which group am I part of? Am I part of those whispering, “he is good,” or am I part of those who believe he deceives?
Here’s an even more challenging thought: could we be as blind today as they were hundreds of years ago? With all of our modern technology and easy access to find answers to any question at our fingertips (literally), I think it’s difficult for us to see ourselves as people groping around in the darkness. Our pride and arrogance have blinded us to that which is right in front of us.
The special folks that serve consistently at Honey’s Place see things differently. They are able to look beyond outward appearances and see what most are unable to see. I have the privilege to come and go, but they start early and finish late each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And then there are the times in between when they are working to help beyond that.
Having said that, I assure you they don’t consider themselves special or gifted with any particular insight. Rather, they are just being the hands and feet of Christ to those who show up.
Serving is Healing
Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, our hearts need healing. We don’t need more religion; we need more Jesus. There are many ways to make progress, but the best way is to get out of our comfort zones and serve others. This might look like helping at Honey’s Place, or it might be something totally different. In any case, serving others is part of the healing balm we all need to cure our spiritual blindness.
Lord God, please help us to see what you see. Help us to understand our blind spots. Heal us from blindness. Help us overcome our unbelief!
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:23-24