Restored Vision

I've often wondered why in this healing account (Mark 8:22-25) Jesus touched the man's eyes twice before he could see clearly. All other healing happens immediately...sometimes with words alone (from near and far), sometimes with a touch from Jesus, or even someone merely touching His clothes.

But this healing account is progressive.

With the first touch, the man's eyes were opened. Light came in. He saw the outline of things and motion, but it was still fuzzy and distorted. The second touch of Jesus fully restored his sight. He saw everything clearly.

Nothing Jesus does is an accident without purpose. No doubt He could have healed this man immediately. This progressive healing tells several stories, as the actions of Jesus often do.

First, the man's friends are the ones who bring the man to Jesus, begging Jesus to touch him. Perhaps initially the man lacked the faith of his friends. Perhaps the initial glimpse of the light was just what he needed to have personal faith in what Jesus could do. The second touch contained the same perfect and complete power of Jesus, but this time it was backed by the man's faith in it. Our actions and our faith FOR others can be a first step in them seeing a glimpse of the goodness and power of Jesus. Their faith is needed for full restoration, but we can play a role in getting them there. Keep being a fiend to those in the dark.

Second, Jesus takes the blind man by the hand and leads him out of the village. Jesus isn't looking for attention from crowds. He is looking to change this man's life. He becomes his guide, moving him to private place to heal him. Jesus isn't a public performer, He is a personal healer. We too need to get out of the crowds and get alone with Jesus.

Third, this speaks to our spiritual walk. In sin and darkness, we are blind. Jesus is the light we begin to see when we put our faith in Him. But it is initially blurry and unclear. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we see more clearly. Our understanding increases. The blurry becomes a bit clearer over time.

The exciting thing is our sight can continue to improve. And I can't even imagine what we will clearly see in heaven. We will see form and colors and life in crisp detail. What we thought was clear in the past, will be a blur in retrospect.

God, give me eyes to clearly see you. In other people, in circumstances, and even in myself. Open my eyes and sharpen my vision to Your hand all around me.

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Thistle Farms mission is to HEAL, EMPOWER, AND EMPLOY women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. We do this by providing safe and supportive housing, the opportunity for economic independence, and a strong community of advocates and partners.  ​

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