DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 IMPERFECT VISION TEXT: MARK 8:22-26 Key Verse: “And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking” (Mark 8:24)_

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

IMPERFECT VISION

TEXT: MARK 8:22-26

Key Verse: “And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking” (Mark 8:24)_

In his book, An Anthropologist on Mars, neurologist Oliver Sacks tells about Virgil, a man who had been blind from early childhood. When he was 50, Virgil underwent surgery and was given the right of sight. But as he and Dr. Sacks found out, having the physical capacity for sight is not the same as seeing. Virgil’s first experiences with sight were confusing. He was able to make out colours and movements. But arranging them into a coherent picture was more difficult. Over time, he learned to identify various objects, but his habits were still those of a blind man. Dr. Sacks assert, “one must die as a blind person to be born again as a seeing person…”

To truly see Jesus means a change of identity. Jesus came to the city of Bethsaida and immediately, they brought a blind man to Him. He took this man out of the town to perform a miracle of restoration on his blind eyes. After the first touch, the man could see but imperfectly – a clear indication that he needed a second touch. Jesus touched his eyes again and then came the full restoration of sight that the man and his neigbours desired.

The story shows us that sight does not always come instantly. In truth, God reveals Himself progressively. This miracle reveals the way God opens the eyes of the spiritually blind as He patiently works on them step by step, to bring them to the place of full comprehension after an era of profound blindness.

This is a good word for all of us who are praying for our loved ones who are away from the Lord. Don’t give up on them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It sometimes needs Christ’s second touch to see clearly.

COVER to COVER: 1 SAMUEL 13-14

PONDER: When miracles becomes difficult to manifest

1. Couldn't Jesus heal this man once and for all like He did for other blind people?
2. Bethsaida was a cursed city v22, Matthew 11:20,21.
3. Consequently Jesus had to take the man out of that city in order to enjoy open heaven v23.
4. The curse was real as Jesus asked the healed man not to testify in that city because of rejection of previous revelation v26.
5. Miracles are not easy to come by in a cursed city, community, house or family.
6. Miracle of mercy can still locate those living under closed heaven if there is faith and persistence.

HYMN: Never Give Up (GHS 5)

1 Never be sad or desponding,
If thou hast faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.

Refrain:
Never give up,
Never give up,
Never give up to thy sorrows,
Jesus will bid them depart;
Trust in the Lord,
Trust in the Lord,
Sing when your trials are greatest,
Trust in the Lord and take heart.

2 What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What though thy life may be drear;
Look on the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear. [Refrain]

3 Never be sad or desponding,
There is a morrow for thee;
Soon thou shalt dwell in its brightness,
There with the Lord thou shalt be. [Refrain]

4 Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward. [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to see whatsoever is making miraculous manifestations difficult in my life and family.
2. Lord, give me an open heaven in all my life's journey.
3. Lord, in your sovereignty, lead me to where my needed miracle of mercy will locate me as you led the blind man.
4. Lord, make our Church location an open heaven for all.