We Need Reminders for Our Blinders

Often, our expectations blind us to reality. We need reminding to keep an open mind. To see with our hearts and not our selfish desires.

Not What He Expected!

John the Baptist was uncertain, confused, and wondering what was happening. I would have asked questions, too. Jesus arrived, but He wasn’t doing what everyone expected Him to do.

He didn’t smite the Pharisees, strike down Roman soldiers, or call fire from heaven to destroy those against Him.

Blinders On

John was so hyper-focused on what he was passionate about and what he expected that he was blinded to what was happening in his neighborhood. Like many, John thought that when the Messiah came, people would be punished and held accountable for their actions. So, why weren’t they? John sent his disciples to find out. “Are you the one we’ve been waiting for, or are we still waiting?”  (Matthew 11:3)

Look at how Jesus responded. He didn’t declare ‘I am He!’ Instead, he says, “Go back and tell John what’s going on. The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side” (Matthew 11:4-5).

I’ve been watching The Chosen—more like binge-watching it multiple times. If you’re unfamiliar with this TV series, I highly recommend it! The Chosen depicts this very scene: Everyone is scampering about. People are being healed. Demons are cast out. Disease is dissolved. It’s happening everywhere. How did John not see this? Why did Jesus have to tell him?

I know I don’t always notice what’s happening around me. I won’t watch the news because I don’t want to know. Perhaps it’s the same reason you don’t see what’s happening around you.

Remember, God is Working

God is working in and through people, in and through our communities, and even in and through us. He’s not passive, but He’s also not active the way we expect Him to be. He’s not charging with a political agenda. He comes as a gentle, personal Savior.

He didn’t bring down the wrath of God on nations but instead brought the mercy of God to individuals. “Don’t be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood” (Matthew 10:5-8).

He is working the same way today. Look around you. Keep your eyes open. God has arrived in our lives and communities. He is working. He’s showing love and mercy to you and those around you.

We Need Reminders for Our Blinders

Can you see it? Don’t feel bad, John couldn’t either. When referring to John, Jesus says, “No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer” (Matthew 11:11). Yet he still needed to be reminded. And if he did, how much more do we?

*All scripture is quoted from the MSG version on BibleGateway.com