2 Corinthians 4:1-6
"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (vs 4).
Have you experienced this reality; either recalling when you didn't believe and didn't follow Christ or in the lives of loved ones, friends, or an infamous unbeliever? I mean, no matter what is said, done, revealed. No matter how a life has changed...even your own! No matter what apologetic is read. No matter how well articulated is the historicity and authentic-ness of Christ birth, death, and resurrection. A person just shakes his/her head. S/he says, "well, whatever works for you." Or, "you really believe that stuff?" Or perhaps the person has his/her own apologetic for what s/he believes.
It is as if they just don't see. As if logic even flies out the window...they sooner believe in psychic reading, tea leaves, horoscopes, or any other superstitious belief. But not Jesus.
I have a dear loved one. This beloved has heard the Gospel message from loved ones, preachers, and Billy Graham. This dear one has experienced the grace, mercy, and unconditional love of Jesus in tangible and sustained ways - from loved ones and 'strangers.' Books have been read, churches have been visited, prayers have been prayed, tears have been shed, various actions of tough love and not so tough love have been given and [seemingly] received. Debate has taken place, views have been shared, understandings have been pored through, changed lives have been witnessed, generosity has been abundant, forgiveness has been extended and asked of, and speaking the truth in love has been voiced.
It is as if there is a stopper in the ears, a wall surrounding the heart, mind shut, and eyes closed. Indeed that is what is taking place, as near as one can know! "The god of this world (Satan, the Devil, the Evil One) has blinded this dear one's mind so that s/he cannot see the light." It is with the mind that one sees. Not the brain. The mind. The part of us that sees with the eyes of our hearts, the spirit within us that knows.
I can't tell you how often I have cried, deep, agonizing, broken tears for this loved one. What can I do? What can we do? We can continue to pray. We can continue to love. We can continue to speak. We can continue to "live lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 4:1). "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are divine. They are able to tear down every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:4). We can pray against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places that blind the eyes of those who will not see. Command, in the Name of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, from our position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, for the god of this world to cease and desist; to let go and be inoperative in our dear one's life. Call on the Name of the Lord to enter in, and unblock the mind and open the eyes of the heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw that loved one to Himself.
Persistent prayer leave footprints in our minds...and creates a deep grove in our souls (Paul Miller, A Life of Prayer). Let us pour out our anxieties, fears, frets, disappoints, and hopes before the Lord continually on behalf of those who are blinded by the god of this world. God is the only One that can break through! And He is able!
Love to you and yours as you seek Him in this coming New Year!,
Robin
"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (vs 4).
Have you experienced this reality; either recalling when you didn't believe and didn't follow Christ or in the lives of loved ones, friends, or an infamous unbeliever? I mean, no matter what is said, done, revealed. No matter how a life has changed...even your own! No matter what apologetic is read. No matter how well articulated is the historicity and authentic-ness of Christ birth, death, and resurrection. A person just shakes his/her head. S/he says, "well, whatever works for you." Or, "you really believe that stuff?" Or perhaps the person has his/her own apologetic for what s/he believes.
It is as if they just don't see. As if logic even flies out the window...they sooner believe in psychic reading, tea leaves, horoscopes, or any other superstitious belief. But not Jesus.
I have a dear loved one. This beloved has heard the Gospel message from loved ones, preachers, and Billy Graham. This dear one has experienced the grace, mercy, and unconditional love of Jesus in tangible and sustained ways - from loved ones and 'strangers.' Books have been read, churches have been visited, prayers have been prayed, tears have been shed, various actions of tough love and not so tough love have been given and [seemingly] received. Debate has taken place, views have been shared, understandings have been pored through, changed lives have been witnessed, generosity has been abundant, forgiveness has been extended and asked of, and speaking the truth in love has been voiced.
It is as if there is a stopper in the ears, a wall surrounding the heart, mind shut, and eyes closed. Indeed that is what is taking place, as near as one can know! "The god of this world (Satan, the Devil, the Evil One) has blinded this dear one's mind so that s/he cannot see the light." It is with the mind that one sees. Not the brain. The mind. The part of us that sees with the eyes of our hearts, the spirit within us that knows.
I can't tell you how often I have cried, deep, agonizing, broken tears for this loved one. What can I do? What can we do? We can continue to pray. We can continue to love. We can continue to speak. We can continue to "live lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 4:1). "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are divine. They are able to tear down every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:4). We can pray against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places that blind the eyes of those who will not see. Command, in the Name of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, from our position in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, for the god of this world to cease and desist; to let go and be inoperative in our dear one's life. Call on the Name of the Lord to enter in, and unblock the mind and open the eyes of the heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw that loved one to Himself.
Persistent prayer leave footprints in our minds...and creates a deep grove in our souls (Paul Miller, A Life of Prayer). Let us pour out our anxieties, fears, frets, disappoints, and hopes before the Lord continually on behalf of those who are blinded by the god of this world. God is the only One that can break through! And He is able!
Love to you and yours as you seek Him in this coming New Year!,
Robin
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