My favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace.” Not only does it have a great melody, but the lyrics are especially meaningful. The phrase, “I was blind and now I see” tells the story of my life. Before Christ, I lived in blindness to the Truth; with salvation, my eyes are opened to a whole new world, a new love for others, a thirst for the Word and a desire to do whatever the Lord called me to do.
About two weeks ago, I underwent cataract surgery on both eyes. I can say without much exaggeration that presurgery, I was blind (though I didn’t realize it fully), and postsurgery, I now see. Colors are bright and beautiful now, and my eyes test out at 20/20. It’s a new perspective on life. But what if it had never happened. Truthfully, I didn’t want to have the surgery; I thought it wouldn’t make much difference, that I’d see only a smidgen better. It wasn’t until my teaching was hampered by my inability to read the scriptures expressively in class that I made the decision to go ahead. At the time, there were also a lot of friends and loved ones who had had the surgery and were encouraging me. The results? An amazing transformation. Now I can see both distance and close-up without corrective lenses. I can see the big picture at a glance and can read orally without stumbling. For me, it’s practically perfect.
Both Pastor Philip (Myanmar) and Pastor Yohana (Tanzania) would agree with me emphatically that the world is in urgent of need of hearing the Word of God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-18, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV) In the context of this scripture, Jesus is talking to His disciples (just eleven at the time of the event). But we are all His disciples in our time, so surely the instruction applies equally to us today.
Whether we are the ones going or the ones sending with prayers and support, we are accountable for the role we play in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. In another part of the Bible, Jesus tells us that the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Obviously, it’s time that we open our eyes to Truth and step out in courage. With the insight God has given us may we see those in need and hear the words God wishes us to share.