The Lord alone opens hearts ∙

The Lord alone opens hearts ∙

Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. – Acts 16:14

Luke 24:27-45

 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

 44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Recent advancements in the field of ophthalmology have ignited hope for curing blindness. An article was published in the AARP bulletin titled “An End to Blindness?” Millions of mostly older Americans may soon have new approaches for treating blindness, particularly for those suffering from macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases. The pace of progress is such that some researchers are already envisioning an end to many forms of vision loss. Stephen Rose, chief research officer for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, maintains, “It’s not a question of if we’ll end blindness. It’s really just a question of when.”

One example of these groundbreaking advancements is the case of Lisa Kulik, who had been blind for over two decades due to retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease. Thanks to a sophisticated microchip implanted in one of her eyes, the Argus II, she could see again, distinguishing between the sidewalk and grassy edge while strolling around the University of Southern California’s Eye Institute.

While the 21st century may bring about cures for many forms of physical blindness, spiritual blindness poses a different kind of challenge. However, there is indeed a cure. The cure for spiritual blindness lies not within the realms of human wisdom or persuasiveness but in the Father’s intervention. He opens people’s hearts, eyes, and minds, allowing them to see and understand the Truth. He ultimately draws people to the Lord Jesus Christ, not human wisdom or persuasiveness. Why is this so?

REFLECT & PRAY

Satan does not want the glorious light of salvation to shine into people’s hearts. As the god of this age and the prince of this world, Satan is at work to keep lost sinners in the dark (Wiersbe).

Father thank You for opening my eyes to see the Truth. Thank You for transferring me from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Your dear Son.

INSIGHT

Understanding the root of spiritual blindness is critical. During the present age, there is a spiritual battle being waged. Unseen powers are at work, which are greater than any person. Our adversary, the god of this world, is the culprit behind this conflict. He uses all his resources to prevent people from learning and accepting the Truth of the Word of God. He is in active opposition to the Father’s work on planet Earth.

2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

How sad it is to be in this condition. The enemy rules over a domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13).

The adversary is a deceptive master manipulator. Those who fall prey to his deception are often oblivious to their situation. They do not know that they are deceived. Further, they delude themselves. “‘Delusion’ is stronger than deception. Deception means that a person can be fooled about something. Delusion is a way of life in which one is perpetually deceived.” (Richardson).

2 Corinthians 3:14-16

 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day, whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

 16 But the veil is taken away whenever someone turns to the Lord.

To be freed from a life of delusion requires an intervention by the Father. We have to be rescued. A rescue party of One was dispatched to make this possible. But the cost of the rescue effort was the life of the Rescuer.

Colossians 1:13-14

 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Satan rules only this age, and his power is restrained. His time is limited, and eventually comes to nothing. His defeat is certain. He will be crushed.

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

Each child of the King was born in darkness. But we have been rescued. We were blind, and now we see. We need to act like it.

Ephesians 5:8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

As children of the King, we are to live as people of the light. We are to pray for those who are in darkness that they may see the light. The Father will put people on our hearts to pray for.

Could it be that another child of the King prayed for each of those who are now children of the King?

Act 26:18 Open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.

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© Dr. H 2024