Mark 8:25 – Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (NIV)

How excited and joyful this blind man must have been to see again. It's hard for seeing people to imagine what it would be like to live in constant darkness. But a season in my own life gave me a small glimpse.

Some years ago, cataracts were removed from both of my eyes. All went well, and with the new prescription for glasses, my sight was as good as ever! Time passed. One day, I noticed that the view of the escarpment and the trees from our front window, though still visible, seemed misty and unclear. No longer could I read the print in the newspaper. When I watched television, the pictures were not as distinct as usual. It wasn't long before the thought occurred to me that perhaps the problem was neither the outdoor weather nor the television screen, but rather my vision.

At a visit to the optometrist, I learned that an eye specialist could restore my vision using a laser to cut holes in the clouded back lining of the lens capsules.

In due time, the moment arrived. The doctor performed his treatment with expertise. As soon as he was done and I was given freedom to move, I looked around. The room that had formerly appeared somewhat out of focus was now as clear as day! How excited and amazed I was! How grateful and joyful I felt to be able to see and read! It was like a miracle to me! I thanked God to be able to see clearly once more.

We know little about this blind man's life, how he lived, or who helped him daily. We do know that Jesus healed him and changed his life forever. John Newton's words cry out so aptly: "I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."

Jesus' healing power brought people to faith in Him. Such miracles revealed the power of God at work in Jesus and revealed the authenticity of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. When we recognize Jesus for who He is and come to believe in Him, our eyes can be opened to a new way of living. As people healed and forgiven of our past wrongdoings, we are given fresh, new lives that reflect the Spirit of Jesus. Our lives bloom with the love of Jesus Christ flowing through us to touch others. We can then point others to the new life that we find in Jesus. How amazing! How wonderful!

Prayer: God of love, help us to be alive daily to the joy of knowing that we who have believed in Jesus Christ have been given new life through Him. Help us always to remember that we are Your forgiven, beloved people. May the generous love that You give to us flow out daily to bring the joy of Your love into the lives of others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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