Blind paradox ∙∙

Blind paradox ∙∙

Jesus said, “For judgment, I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” – John 9:39

John 9:35-41

35 When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36 The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
37 “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”
38 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment– to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?”
41 “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.”

Fanny Crosby, born in 1820 in Brewster, New York, experienced a life marked by both challenge and triumph. Shortly after birth, she fell ill, and with the family doctor unavailable, her care was entrusted to an unqualified man posing as a physician. He prescribed hot mustard poultices for her eyes, a treatment that ultimately caused her to lose her sight. Though her illness subsided, the damage left her blind for life.

The Father intended for her to experience a somewhat inverted miracle. It is just the opposite of what we would expect. Remarkably, Fanny’s blindness did not hinder her but instead became a source of unique insight. She possessed a vision beyond the physical, enabling her to create over 9,000 hymns that resonated deeply with people of various faiths. Her works remain cherished across numerous denominations.

Fanny’s passion for poetry emerged at an early age. At just 8 years old, she penned a poem expressing her unshakable optimism and refusal to dwell on her blindness:

Oh, what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t.
To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t!

Her extraordinary memory complemented her creative talents. She committed entire portions of Scripture to memory, eventually learning the Pentateuch, the Gospels, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and many Psalms by heart by the time she was a teenager. Reflecting on her faith, she once wrote, “The Holy Book has nurtured my entire life.”

Throughout her life, Fanny composed hymns that touched countless lives. Among her most beloved works are “Blessed Assurance,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Draw Me Nearer,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “The Bright Forever,” “Savior, More Than Life to Me,” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” Her legacy as a prolific hymn writer and a woman of unwavering faith continues to inspire to this day.

REFLECT & PRAY

When physical sight fades, the beauty of spiritual sight can shine even brighter. Other human abilities and senses, like memory and perception, often grow stronger.

Father, when I think of Fanny, I am so greatly encouraged. What a delightful relationship she had with You! Through her life and her hymns, she has drawn our hearts closer to Yours. What a gift her faith and devotion continue to be for all of us!

INSIGHT

The story of the man born blind is rich with irony and paradox. It challenges us to recognize that those who believe they see clearly may actually be blind, while those who are aware of their blindness can gain true sight—both physical and spiritual. This story reminds us that physical sight alone is incomplete without the depth of spiritual vision. The first step toward spiritual growth is acknowledging our own lack, our inadequacy, and our need for greater insight.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time serve as a cautionary tale. Blinded by self-interest and convinced of their superiority, they failed to recognize their spiritual blindness. Their arrogance kept them from admitting their need, and their supposed wisdom made them incapable of seeing the truth before them. Ironically, standing in the very presence of the Light of the World only deepened their darkness. Their rigid hearts were like eyes staring directly at the sun—unable to bear the overwhelming light; they were left in even greater blindness.

Contrast this with the blind beggar in the story. He first recognized his physical need and soon became aware of his spiritual condition. Open and seeking, he experienced the incredible gift of both physical and spiritual sight. Ultimately, he realized the most important vision of all—he saw the Lord Jesus Christ and believed in Him. His healing was not just of the body but of the soul. He soon realized that the most important thing he needed was to “see” the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in Him.

It’s essential to understand that Jesus did not enter the world to judge but to save. Yet, when people are faced with Him, their reactions reveal the state of their hearts. Just as a person in the presence of a magnificent Rembrandt painting either admires its brilliance or fails to see its beauty, so too does one’s response to Jesus reflect one’s own condition. The masterpiece remains unchanged; it is the viewer who stands judged. Those who fail to recognize Christ’s wonder and love condemn themselves, while those who see Him as worthy of admiration and devotion take the first steps toward God.

John 3:17-19 underscores this truth:

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”

Self-awareness is a profound gift. Those who acknowledge their own blindness and earnestly desire to see are the ones who can have their eyes opened and their hearts transformed. Conversely, those who believe they know it all remain trapped in spiritual darkness. Only the humble, those who recognize their need for God’s guidance, can grow stronger, see more clearly, and receive forgiveness.

Human sight is limited to the physical world that we see. There is another world, a spiritual realm that is often veiled from human eyes. But it exists all the same. The story of Elisha and Gehazi in 2 Kings 6 illustrates this vividly. Elisha and his servant had been hunted down and were in very dire circumstances, surrounded by a hostile army. But while Gehazi trembled in fear, Elisha remained calm—he could see what others could not.

The enemy was itself surrounded by unseen angelic legions who were prepared to act in his defense. He prayed for Gehazi’s eyes to be opened so he too could behold the unseen reality: 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Elisha, the prophet, the seer, could see the unseen without effort. He had no reason to fear. Ordinary people do not have this luxury. With a single prayer, the blinders were lifted, and Gehazi saw the angelic host. It was a powerful demonstration that the spiritual world is as real as the physical, though often unnoticed.

Fanny Crosby lived her entire life with this kind of spiritual sight. Though physically blind, her heart and mind were captivated by the unseen realities of the Father’s presence and love. Her hymns are filled with the light of her spiritual vision, reflecting her profound relationship with the Father. Songs like “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory” give us a glimpse of the beauty and devotion she experienced. Through her words and melodies, she allows us to share her remarkable insight, drawing us closer to the God she so clearly saw.

Fanny’s life reminds us that true sight is not about the eyes but about the heart.

The apostle Paul was very aware of humanity’s spiritual blindness. He had a specific prayer that he prayed that we can certainly pray for ourselves and others that the Lord puts on our hearts and minds.

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called . . ..

Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

¯_(ツ)_/¯4-21-2

© Dr. H 2025