V23 n36
In a room that would have minimal light, and where
one’s eyes had adjusted to the low light level, what would happen if someone
were to use a flash camera to take a picture? For the majority of people, they
would see some spots for a period of time, while at the same time, it could
cause a diminished capacity of vision, or temporary blindness.
The same
thing can happen when a person is driving a motor vehicle at night. An oncoming
vehicle forgets to dim their high beam lights, and if one does not immediately
remember the rules of night driving, the brightness of the lights can cause a
temporary blindness. To avoid such a situation or scenario, one must remember
the rules of night driving, to focus on the white line on your side of the
road, to maintain a positive course until one is through or past the danger.
Failure to do so, can have disastrous results.
This is the same way in which the devil tries to blind the Christians with flashes of temptation in the fleshly realm, which can cause a person to lose their focus on the mark of the prize. The devil and his workers will try anything to cause a person to lose their focus, and get them to stray from the strait and narrow path. One must maintain their focus on the Word, just as they would follow that white line past the danger, in order to avoid the perils and dangers the devil tries to lay before them. In the realm of the Spirit, one must stay focused in and on the truth of God’s Word, so that the Spirit of truth is able to lead them and guide them into all truth. (John 16:13, 1John 2:27)
The
devil is out to try to blind the Christian in any way that he can. When a
person allows those temptations to stay before their eyes or vision, it can
cause a temporary blindness that will hinder or even prevent them from
maintaining their walk on that strait and narrow path. (Mt 7:13-14) Could you
imagine trying to walk a narrow plank aboard a ship or an ark in the evening,
with camera flashes going off before your eyes? Yet, this is exactly what the
devil does to people with the temptations that he flashes in front of a person,
that can cause temporary blindness, lapses in one’s walk or relationship with
God. This blindness hinders one’s ability to see, hear and obey the truth of
God’s Word in their life. How long this lasts, is determined by how long a
person will delay diligently seeking out the truth of God’s Word. This
blindness could be temporary, or it could last for eternity.
2 Corinthians 4:2-4, 2 But have renounced the
hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word
of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is
hid to them that are lost: 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. KJV
Let
us look at a few of Adam Clarke’s comments concerning the above verse.
Not
using the doctrines of the Gospel to serve any secular or carnal purpose; not
explaining away their force so as to palliate or excuse sin; not generalizing
its precepts so as to excuse many in particular circumstances from obedience,
especially in that which most crossed their inclinations. There were deceitful
handlers of this kind in Corinth, and there are many of them still in the garb
of Christian ministers; persons who disguise that part of their creed which,
though they believe it is of God, would make them unpopular, affecting moderation
in order to procure a larger audience and more extensive support; not attacking
prevalent and popular vices; calling dissipation of mind, relaxation; and worldly
and carnal pleasures, innocent amusements, etc. In a word, turning with the
tide, and shifting with the wind of popular opinion, prejudice, fashion, etc.
If
there be a veil on the Gospel, it is only to the willfully blind; and if any
man's heart be veiled that hears this Gospel, it is a proof that he is among
the lost, those who are fully under the power of sin; who have given up
themselves to work wickedness; persons who are mere pagans, or live like such,
and yet such as Jesus Christ came to seek and save; for the word does not
necessarily imply those that will perish eternally, but is a common epithet to
point out a man without the Gospel and without God in the world. (from Adam Clarke
Commentary)
How sure is your foundation in your relationship with God? Is it built in and on the traditions of man, or in the truth of God’s Word? Is it patterned after rituals and observances, or an intimate fellowship with the living God? Is it maintained by the creeds and doctrines of man, or by each and every word that proceeds forth out of the mouth of God? (Mt 15:8-9, 1Tim 1:4,7, Titus 1:14, Heb 13:9).
There is but one
way into the kingdom of God. (John 14:6). There is but one mediator between God
and man, and that is Christ Jesus. This way, or this path, can only be
established and maintained by the truth of God’s Word. (John 8:31-32, Col 1:23,
2Tim 3:16-17). It is as one hears this message delivered by the Word of God,
Christ; and then allow this Word of life into their heart and their mind, and
then applying it to their life (walk and talk), that they will be able to
follow that path or example that Jesus Christ set for us to follow.
Matthew 15:14, Let them alone: they be blind
leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the
ditch. KJV
[And
if the blind lead the blind] This was so self-evident a case that an apter
parallel could not be found-- if the blind lead the blind, both must fall into
the ditch. Alas, for the blind teachers, who not only destroy their own souls,
but those also of their flocks! Like priest, like people. If the minister be
ignorant, he cannot teach what he does not know; and the people cannot become
wise unto salvation under such a ministry-- he is ignorant and wicked, and they
are profligate. They who even wish such God speed; are partakers of their evil
deeds. But shall not the poor deceived people escape! No: both shall fall into
the pit of perdition together; for they should have searched the Scriptures,
and not trusted to the ignorant sayings of corrupt men, no matter of what sect
or party. He who has the Bible in his hand, or within his reach, and can read
it, has no excuse.
(from Adam Clarke Commentary)
Along the way there will be many distractions, where the devil will try to blind us with all manner of temptations. He will always come against the area that we are weakest in. He will try to get a person to mumble and grumble against everything and everyone else, but themselves. This they will do, because it takes the focus away from their own failures. And these failures sprang up, because they neglected their relationship with God. Without the truth, one will become blinded.
Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision, the
people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. KJV
Where
divine revelation, and the faithful preaching of the sacred testimonies, are
neither reverenced nor attended, the ruin of that land is at no great distance. (from Adam Clarke
Commentary)
How clear is your vision
this day?
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka
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