I watched "30 Good Minutes" on T-V recently. Ken Medema was the guest artist that day. He is an outstanding musician who plays the piano and other instruments. He is a good singer who writes the words and music to many of the songs he performs. When you listen to his tape (which we ordered), you would never guess that he was born blind. He plays and sings with such feeling. I was amazed at the ability he possesses. He does not consider being blind to be a crippling handicap.

Millions of people in the world are blind. Some are born blind while others are blinded by accidents or disease. Millions of others have visual impairments. I am among that number. I have Macular Degeneration which has left me legally blind in my left eye. Although I have had 3 surgeries, I have very limited vision in that eye. I have prayed that my right eye will continue to enable me to do my work and earn a living. But, if that is not the case, I will have to make adaptations as others have.

The Bible makes 21 references to physical blindness and 130 references to spiritual blindness. Therefore, the spiritually blind are more greatly impaired than the physically blind. In Mark 8:18, Jesus refers to those who have eyes but do not see. The Pharisees, who served as religious leaders, were blinded by their traditions to the teachings of Jesus. Many who saw the miracles, refused to believe in Him as the Son of God. There were several instances of Jesus healing the blind (Matt. 11:5; 12:22, etc.) because they were seeking what He could do for them. The spiritually blind found fault in Jesus for healing a blind man on the Sabbath in John 9. The Pharisees were so angry, they cast the man out of their presence. Jesus went to him and asked if he believed in Jesus. He stated that he believed.

Today, we may be blessed with sight physically. This is important but it is far more important that we have spiritual insight. Many who can see refuse to accept the plain teachings of the Bible because it conflicts with what they believe already. Let us not be led by blind guides like the Pharisees of old. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 15:14: "Let them alone, they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into the pit." Let us make sure we are following Jesus rather than some man. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me" (John 14:6).

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