November 6th, 2014

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Sight

Thursday, November 6th, 2014

Have you ever seen without really seeing?

When I was a young boy and lived in the projects, right across from us lived a blind man named Mike. Every day, at least three times a day, Mike would take his seeing eye German Shepherd and walk to the local tavern. Like clockwork. I was taught not to make fun of Mike (although I must admit to failing a few times). I watched others be really mean to him. I remember his dog getting what I now know is hip dysplasia, a debilitating disease which often affects bigger dogs. He wore his dog out.

I could see.

Mike could really see. He heard the taunts; I could see them on his face. But he just walked on.

The gift of sight is a wonderful thing. I remember my mom once saying she would rather lose her hearing than her sight. Tragically, there are those who have the ability to see, but don’t or can’t.

My sermon this week is about the gift of sight, of not taking things for granted. This is particularly true when it comes to prayer. Within Luke 18 are four examples of sight.

Of the persistent widow: Seeing that God cares for us much more than any human can.

Of the Pharisee and tax collector: Seeing ourselves as sinners in desperate need of God’s forgiveness and grace.

Of Jesus’ response to children: Being childlike is an absolute necessity for seeing the kingdom of God.

Finally, in the story of Bartimaus. Blind from birth. Desiring to see. Given 20/20 vision by Jesus as a gift.

Four fantastic lessons for me/us to learn. Maybe then we will have sight and be really able to see. I’d appreciate your prayers. Thanks.