Day 132 "Let the blind lead the blind and seek not to be so yourself in the Spirit."

Day 132 Matthew 15:12-14 Then His disciples came to Him and said, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, they will both fall into a ditch." One evening, we were watching a program about Patrick Henry Hughes: a very young and accomplished musician. Throughout the program, it became very obvious that he was affecting everyone he came in contact with in a most amazing way. People were humbled by his demeanor and love, as well as his amazing talents. He played the piano with amazing ability and sang with a voice that was obviously inspired by the Spirit of God that dwells within him. You see, this young man was born without sight and physically disabled to the point of being unable to walk or fully extend his arms, yet he praised God for giving him all of his abilities. One of the many things that caught my eye about him was that I never saw him attempt to lead anyone; he knows his limitations and is completely at peace in staying within them. He is comfortable having others assist him, and, yes, even though he does not want to burden his family and friends, he knows that this, as well, is a part of who he is. It appears that he is not attempting to prove anything to anyone nor has he purposed to be anything other than who he is in Christ. What does Patrick Henry Hughes have to do with this passage, you ask? First of all, He knows he is blind, and as a result, he knows his limitations. I see the Pharisees as people who knew they were blind but wouldn't admit it. They were so proud that they could never allow someone else to lead them; after all, they may have lost their power had they done so. Rather than admit their limitations and failures, they would rather lead others into the same fate that they themselves would face. Secondly, he is a man who obviously loves God and is willing to accept and be satisfied with whatever God gives him. By their actions, the Pharisees appear not to love God but rather they use Him for their own gain; they twist His law for their benefit and attempt in every way to use God for their personal advantage. What we see here are two types of people that exist even today in our world: those who love and trust God, and those who abuse God for their own power and gain. The first are willing and able to simply follow others, stay out of the limelight, and be used as God sees fit. The latter seek the lead, they seek the limelight, and their goal is to, again, use God for personal gain. In these days that lie ahead, we, as sheep, must be watchful and wary, for as we are told in Matthew 24:24, even the elect will be deceived. There are many charismatic people in this world who seek personal glory and monetary gain at the expense of others and, yes, they will lead those who are willingly blind into a ditch. Check leaders’ statements against the Word, verify their hearts through the Word, and be wary of those who seek only your money. God is not mocked, but men are deceived. Jesus has given us, as He did the people of His time on earth, many warnings and signs to look for–all we need do is keep our eyes open and focused upon Him. Daily Prayer: Father, please help me to see the imitations, the fakes, and the deceivers, for my desire, Lord, is to follow You and You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Let the blind lead the blind and seek not to be so yourself in the Spirit." Pastor Gene Burroughs