When God Over Does It!

Mark 8:23-25

He (Jesus) took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spat on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked. The man looked up and said, "I can see the people, but they look like trees walking around."  Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and when he opened them his sight was restored, and he could see everything clearly.

This account of Jesus healing a blind man was interesting the first time I read it. As a young Christian, I thought that Jesus had to heal him again.  It obviously didn't work the first time, so Jesus laid hands on him a second time and completed the healing.  This train of thought was enforced by messages preached that use this as an example of the 'process of healing'. Since everyone does not walk in the fullness of healing immediately, we have to stay in the presence of God until the work is completed.   This holds just as good a message as the miracle of instant healing and it also holds truth.  I am not saying that it is inaccurate, but let's look at it a little differently.

EYE GLASSES

I remember years ago when I wore eyeglasses, I hated them.  Don't get me wrong, it was not an issue of vanity or feeling I didn't look my best with them.  My issue is, and has always been comfort.  I hated how they felt, especially in Houston's heat and humidity.  The way they fogged up when I moved from one environment to another was irritating.  I had to wait a moment just to give them time to adjust so I could see.  So I switched to contact lenses.  That seemed like a great way to solve the problem of glasses.  But that was not any better.  The issue of comfort came into play again.  I didn't like the feeling of something in my eye!  I took great care to ensure they were cleaned properly, but one day in complete irritation..., I plucked them out and rolled them between my fingers, ensuring that set would never be worn again. 

That last experience left me with few options until I heard a woman talk about her eye surgery.  At the time they didn't have laser surgery, it was called  RK for short.  This surgery was to correct my vision by cutting top layers so they would lay flat and allow light in better.  After surgery I left with heavy black shades, but even in the midst of the darkness, I could see!!  On my way home I recall saying "I can see the leaves on the trees!  Individual leaves!"

My eyesight was restored beyond what I have ever experienced before.  I didn't even realize how I had lived with such poor vision.  Now I was able to see and define things as they actually were, clearly.

So when I read this story, the bible says that the blind man said "I see men as trees walking."   At first glance it seems that surely something was wrong, maybe his eyes were still blurry, still adjusting to the light.  Maybe the people he saw that looked like trees were actually people walking around and he couldn't see anything except their form.  Did you ever wonder what insight a blind man could give as to how a tree looked?  Is he really qualified to make that comparison?  Much like my everyday vision before the surgery.  My surgery immediately changed my vision, did Jesus miss it?

MEN AS TREES

To be honest, the bible supports the first vision the blind man had.  We are like trees, or we are supposed to be.  We are told to bear fruit, to stay connected to the vine, we are told to be rooted and grounded in love, to know each other by our fruit.  We are also told that we should be as trees planted by living water, bringing forth fruit in our season.  We are supposed to be a benefit to others in this earth, and what we do should nourish them.  We have in us the opportunity for replenishment and abundance.  We have the ability to reproduce after our kind.  Yes, we are as trees walking.  We are living beings who need to stay connected to our Life Source. 


John 15:5 says

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

I imagine what the first vision could mean for a blind man.  I can hear encouragement saying "Yes, I am going to heal you, but I will also make you fruitful.  You have been living off handouts, but I will cause your gifts to become a source of revenue for you. While others have given to you, I will cause you to flourish, to benefit others and to be a blessing to behold."  Yes, we are as trees.

After Jesus allowed the blind man to see beyond today, He brought him back to a vision that is suitable for the moment.   Sometimes when God shows us more than we can handle, He may bring it back to where you can deal with it, but He does not take away His big picture plans for you. 

GOD'S PROMISE TO OVER DO IT!

We don't need a new vision about what God can do for us.  Think back to where He showed you something that was hard to believe.  Maybe you are haunted with your past mistakes or you know how your mind goes left on occasion.  All of those things can keep us thinking that the vision was wrong, or we are unqualified like the blind man to admit what we saw.  But take a second look at what He has shown you.  You may have assumed it was for someone else to do, or you may think you missed it all together.  Know that God has plans for you, don't discount those things that look odd to you, that seem impossible. 

I would like to encourage you today.  Some things God is showing you about your future looks erroneous, it may look like He missed it.  You may stay in His presence to get another touch so you can see better, but  God knows what He is doing and if He shows you something, trust me, He has not made a mistake.  Believe the vision and walk in it!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us.

Ephesians 3:20