None So Blind As Refuse To See
None So Blind As Refuse To See This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on sales. "There are none so blind as those who will not see" "Hearing is believing" The first one is an idiom, while the second one is a principle derived from Scripture. Individuals who possess all the available information yet consciously refuse to acknowledge it, display a flaw in their character, their immaturity, or quite possibly live in denial. Some people may prefer to trust the opinions of others instead of verifying the facts themselves. This behavior is similar to Eve's actions in the garden, where she believed and accepted the Adversary's account of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Instead of unquestioningly following the Word of our God, she allowed herself to be deceived by what she personally witnessed. Both statements emphasize the crucial importance of correctly utilizing our senses throughout our lives, as the way we live today holds eternal significance. The physical universe was created by our God as a nurturing space for us to reside, acquire knowledge, and mature. It is a collection of imagery designed to impart profound spiritual wisdom. However, its current state is not everlasting. In the Scriptures, God clearly conveys that He is the Eternal and Immutable One, the Alpha and Omega. His divine nature is revealed both in the marvels of His creation and the sacred pages of His Word. Messiah Yeshua, who exists from the very start, is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He informed us that the sun, moon, and stars are meant to serve as signs and indicators of seasons, and He carefully designed their paths. He established His methodologies, creating a calendar for us and defining days for both labor and rest. He stated that the very sun, moon, and stars themselves would serve as a guide to ascertain the precise moment when the Messiah would make His glorious return. Since the very beginning, hearing has remained vital. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, they were deprived of seeing the Father, but they were still able to hear His voice! Moses gathered all of Israel together and addressed them, saying: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully” (Deut. 5:1). Yeshua answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD” (Mark 20:29). “So then faith by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17 NKJV). The word "hear" encompasses more than just the physical act of listening to sounds. In its complete Hebraic essence, it signifies Shema, which holds the profound meaning of "to hear, listen, and obediently respond." I understand that many people believe that salvation requires only faith, but the Bible teaches that it also involves obeying what we hear, believing in God's Word, and putting it into action. "They answered Him and said to Him, 'Abraham is our father.' Yeshua said to them, 'If you were Abrahams’ children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.' Then they said to Him, 'We were not born of fornication; we have one Father-God.' Yeshua said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.'" (John 8: 39-44a) “Why Do You Not Understand My Speech?” The word “speech” is from the Greek word lalia (Strong’s #2981) meaning: 1) speech, i.e a story 2) dialect, mode of speech, pronunciation a) speech which discloses the speaker's native country “Because you are not able to listen to My Word.” “Word” is from the Greek word logos (Strong’s #3059) meaning: 1) of speech a) a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea b) what someone has said; 1) a word 2) the sayings of God 3) decree, mandate or order 4) of the moral precepts given by God 5) Old Testament prophecy given by the prophets 6) what is declared, a thought, declaration, aphorism, a weighty saying, a dictum, a maxim In John, the Logos is the Word of God, Yeshua HaMashiach, imbued with wisdom and power from God, involved in creation and governing the universe, Source of all life, who put on human nature in Yeshua the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, revealed through words and actions. This clever play on words can easily go unnoticed if you only read the English version. Yeshua the Messiah has always existed. His words perfectly aligned with His divine nature as He is truly one with YHWH. Without this unity, Yeshua could not fulfill His role as our Savior. The people with whom the Messiah spoke were not only eager to put an end to His life, but also quick to label Him as someone without any legitimacy. Although they seemed to back up their words with actions, their behavior and speech were still inconsistent with their professed beliefs, regardless of their strong claims (hypocrites). Today, just like in the past, the actions people take provide valuable insights into their origins and the influences they are exposed to. I am aware that there is a common belief that Paul rejected the Torah and established a new religion. However, the Scriptures actually document Paul's own words: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” (Acts 24:14). Paul affirmed his faith in the Law and the Prophets, commonly known among Christians as the Old Testament, or more broadly, the Torah, as a comprehensive concept. The Greek word under “believing” is pisteu, (Strong's #G4100.) Kittel's The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament and other sources suggest that the word in question should not be limited to intellectual agreement, as previously thought, but should instead be understood as encompassing obedience, compliance, and ongoing trust. The concept of "shema" aligns perfectly with the idea of not just hearing, but also faithfully obeying. I am aware that some claim the Old Testament has lost its relevance, however, the Word itself proclaims: “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8). “But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25). In America, we have been immensely fortunate to have an abundance of resources, including the Word of God. Many individuals possess multiple copies of this sacred text. However, in other nations, the pages of just one Bible are cherished, carefully separated, and graciously shared among a great number of people. We can personally see the entire world right in front of us. So why should we only rely on hearsay? In the midst of the turmoil that surrounds us, be it on the environmental or political front, it is crucial for us to grasp the true essence of these events. It is now, more than ever, that we must strive to become the bearers of enlightenment, rather than succumbing to ignorance and despair. The Day of the Lord will arrive unexpectedly for those shrouded in darkness, but it will not catch those who walk in the Light off guard. Yes, I know people say differently, but the Word says: “For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psa. 18:28). “For you were once darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Eph. 5:8) “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thess. 5: 4 ) The people who stay in darkness are likely to be deeply frightened by all the events that will occur on the earth before the Messiah comes back. However, it is important to understand that these events are not meant to scare His people! "And I will execute vengeance in anger and wrath On the nations which have not obeyed." (Micah 5:15) “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Thess. 5:9) "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28) Believers, the time has come for these events to unfold. Admire the sight above and raise your heads with anticipation! In the sun, moon, and stars, incredible events are occurring, seemingly fulfilling the divine prophecy of guiding us in recognizing the season of the Messiah's return. During 2014 and 2015, on both the spring and fall Feasts of the Lord, a remarkable event took place: two sets of blood-red moons, known as a tetrad, occurred each year. Additionally, these years were accompanied by two solar eclipses. To further add to the significance, in 2016, on the Day of Trumpets, another eclipse occurred where the moon was not giving its light. These events matched what was foretold. In the past 500 years, two significant tetrads took place, namely in 1947 and 1967. Interestingly, these events coincided with the restoration of Land to Israel, adding an extraordinary dimension to these occurrences. Jubilee cycles of years fit the picture. Based on astronomical software, the unique and exceptional combination of events that occurred on these specific days in 2014 and 2015 has never been witnessed before and is not expected to occur again in the future. Does this capture your interest? There is an abundance of information beyond what I can cover in this brief explanation. Indeed, I am aware that there are individuals who claim that the Feasts are exclusively for the Jews, deeming them insignificant and irrelevant to Gentiles. However, it is essential to remember that the Word itself states otherwise: “These the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.” (Lev. 23:4) “Behold, I am building a temple for the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate to Him, to burn before Him sweet incense, for the continual shewbread, for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, on the New Moons, and on the set feasts of the LORD our God. This forever to Israel.” (2 Chronicles 2:4) “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. … Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:11-13, 19 ). This passage states that Believers are no longer Gentiles (pagans), but are grafted in to Israel and as such become Hebrew. By believing in, honoring, and serving the God of Israel, you have become an integral part of Israel, the divine household of God - the Commonwealth of Israel. If some of the branches were broken off and you, as a wild olive tree, were grafted among them, becoming a participant in the root and richness of the olive tree, do not pridefully exalt yourself over the branches. “But if you do boast, you do not support the root, but the root you.” (Rom. 11:17-18 NKJV) It's not too late to choose your path. Will you join the ranks of the children of Light or surrender to the darkness? Do you dare to claim that the entirety of God's Word is obsolete and that His Feasts hold no significance whatsoever? Will you be counted among those described by Isaiah and quoted by both Matthew and Luke? “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with eyes and hear with ears, Lest they should understand with hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” (Matt. 13:15) Those who refuse to follow the Word and mock those who do follow the Whole Word are known as arrogant. Interestingly, even those who resist the Whole Word still seem to find the Psalms to be agreeable. I can't help but wonder if they would still be interested once they see and hear what's included! “You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed, Who wander from Your commandments.” (Psalm 119: 21 NASB) “The arrogant utterly deride me, Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.” (Psalm 119: 51 NASB) “The arrogant have dug pits for me, Men who are not in accord with Your law.” (Psalm 119: 85 NASB) Malachi also speaks about something of great importance, which is commonly believed to be a reference to the Day of His coming, known as the Day of the Lord. Although many claim that the prophets are no longer important, the Word strongly declares otherwise: "You have said, 'It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of hosts? 'So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up but they also test God and escape. Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name.” (Mal. 3: 14-16 ) In my opinion, the impactful words spoken by the Messiah are often overlooked by those who dismiss the significance of the Old Testament. These words should be seen as thought-provoking and deserving of serious consideration: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” (Matt. 7:21-23) It's possible that my assumption is incorrect, but it seems that He may have been specifically addressing individuals who identified themselves as His followers. It appears that they were fooled, as He claimed to be unfamiliar with them. The term "know" in this context does not indicate that He was unaware of them, as He possesses complete knowledge. It instead pertains to a deep and personal understanding. Similarly, the term "lawlessness" translates to the Greek word "anomia," where "nomia" corresponds to the Torah and the prefix "a" denotes the absence or disregard of it. I understand that some people claim that the Law has been abolished, but now I will show you tangible proof of what the Word and our Messiah affirm. There are more examples. The Parable of the Ten Virgins can be beautifully understood as a vivid representation of Believers. Each one of them possesses a profound understanding of the Messiah and shares an undeniable certainty that His glorious return is imminent. There are two distinct groups who are waiting: those who follow societal expectations, and those who faithfully abide by the teachings of the Word. While we typically offer our oil and supplies to others, it is important to acknowledge that during the time of His Return, it will not be feasible to share the profound connection we have with the Messiah. It can’t be purchased and it can’t be given away. Either one has already chosen to surrender to Him or not. "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' "But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'” (Matt. 25: 10-12 ) I am still uncertain whether being rejected from "the wedding" implies merely being considered the "least in heaven" compared to those who did and taught the Whole Word, or whether it involves being cast into a place of despair and agony characterized by weeping and grinding of teeth. "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches , he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:19) I am truly grateful that He is the just Judge, and not us! “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.” (Isaiah Read the full article
