Masks and Blindfolds

John describes in his gospel a scene in which Christ is talking with the Pharisees about being blind–that’s spiritually blind. In John 9:35-41 Christ explains that He has come to the world to restore the sight to those who can’t or won’t see the light. In the gospel of Matthew, Christ tells the Pharisees that if the blind lead the blind, then they both fall into a ditch (Matthew 15: 13-14). My response to that is, let’s help each other with these blindfolds before we all fall into a ditch!

And just because we may be able to help someone with their sight today, doesn’t mean we weren’t wearing a blindfold yesterday. Remember, the Bible says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This tells me that we should always be aware; we should be looking in our spiritual mirrors as guidance; we should take care of our blindfolds so that we can help someone out with there’s.

Who else has done this?

In 1 Samuel 13:13-14, Samuel points out to Saul that he is sinning. Not only does he point out the transgression, but he points out the consequence. Because there is always a consequence, isn’t there?

Another, much more specific example is found in 2 Samuel 12:1-15. Notice right away that in verse 1 the scripture says “the Lord sent Nathan to David”. If Nathan had been wearing a blindfold would he have heard God’s command to go to David? No.

Nathan uses a parable to reach David, and the story was so effective, that it upset David enough that he wanted to kill the man in the story! Boy, did Nathan know his audience. If Nathan didn’t know the best avenue by which to reach David, then he was surely listening to God’s command. When we are in a tough situation and in need of guidance, God provides help and guidance. He can also provide our words.

Nathan goes on to quote God to David, points out his specific transgressions and the consequences of his actions.

We have the Bible to use, don’t we? Would you be able to quote the Bible to help a friend stay on course?

God’s Way Gets Results

When Nathan uses the Bible to guide David, and saw the evidence in his own spiritual mirror, he realized he was wrong. In verse 13 David admits to Nathan that he had sinned. Nathan reassures David that God has cast away all of his sins, but that there are still consequences. Because of his sin, David’s son fell ill and was to “surely die.”

Nathan followed God’s lead, went to David, and reproofed him with The Word. He didn’t come to him casting accusations or threatening to report him to the higher authorities; he didn’t try and stone him. Nathan approached David as a brother. He showed concern. Showed him the facts and the consequences. David confessed and saw the err of his ways.

This is a great example for us, of what can happen when we follow through with reproof by Biblical example.

Getting Down to Business

Is it scary to approach someone in reproof? Sometimes it is even difficult to pray for others. It is scary to take responsibility for other people! There is something much more scary, though.

In Micah 7:1-7, Micah describes a very distraught Israel. I urge you to read this passage. They were so sinful, they were blind; they were all enemies because they’d lost trust. The Israelites saw a bleak future.

Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6:23 says “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (emphasis added).

This gift is worth having! The wages of sin are serious! It is imperative that we look out for one another, to share and correct each other in our walk so that we can all have this gift.

Romans 12 puts it beautifully:

“14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We have an opportunity here–to overcome evil with good! This is a huge opportunity for each one of us. We have the opportunity to Sing a Little Louder, and to ignore the cries of those who are on the train to destruction. Or we can throw ourselves onto the tracks, go into the ghettos, step into the fire, risk discomfort to bring more people with us to heaven.

I want to do it. Do you?