Sight . . . Freedom

"...to open the eyes ... to bring out the prisoners...."

- From Isaiah 42

The passage from Isaiah profiles the greatness of God, then talks a little about our purpose, and then finishes with several lines of praise to God.

This middle section, the one about our purpose, is very simple. We know about "Feed my sheep," about "Spread the Gospel to all nations," and "be fruitful and multiply."

God's directives to us are always about building His Kingdom . . . making it bigger and bigger. His methods are always about proclaiming the message, while taking care of widows, orhpans, aliens, and refraining from sexual immorality.

But in this particular passage, we have the interesting priority:

• Open the eyes of the blind
• Bring out the prisoners . . . those that have been in darkness

And so it goes back to method . . . to approach.

When a blind person's eyes have been opened, there is no question about what has happened. They couldn't see before. Now they can. The difference is metaphysically striking.

Prisoners are either still in prison . . . or they are now free. And it is more than apparent, whether or not they are free. 

The blind person that now sees; the prisoner that is now free . . . they are ecstatic that you gave them sight. They are besides themselves with joy, that they can now walk in the sunshine. 

If we attempt to help those that are spiritually blind, to now see . . . and leave them resentful, then there is something wrong with our method.

If our attempt to free someone from bondage to some sin only makes them crave it more; then we need a new approach. 

Because they are supposed to be thrilled beyond measure.

And if you can't persuade them with your words, then stop trying. Instead, persuade them by serving them.

Because we want them to see. And this is what God wants.