C2J Weekly: "Closed Eyes, Part 2"

This is the fifth of a twelve-part series, "His Eyes." In this series, I'll be observing how our eyes seem to respond to the light and perhaps we may be able to get a better idea of how they should work. It is my hope that with His eyes, we will be able to see the path on which we run, thereby learning how to effectively run this race.

In Matthew 13, the disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables. To this Christ states that the eyes of the crowds are closed. It is as if He is handing treasures to everyone, but the boxes they come in cannot be opened without help. So I'm looking at that wondering what purpose it serves. Then I notice something, as a believer I understand the parable, but only if I look to Him, otherwise it's reduced to ethical platitudes and the moral application is lost. So then its purpose to minister has a greater effect when it forces us to first ask for His help: the box of treasures is opened by our desire for the Lord to open our closed eyes.
Therefore, if the path before us is illuminated by Christ, it is imperative that we first look to Him. How can a runner run a marathon with many obstacles if he does not know what is in-front of him? So in order to run the race set out before us, we need to know what we are truly facing: we need His light.
He will give us His light if we are in an intimate relationship with Him, the Light of the World. Like any relationship, two-way communication is essential. One has to hear what his or her friend has to say as well as express themselves for the relationship to flourish. So when your best friend is the Bread of Life, learn to cherish those times you spend in His Word or talking to Him. For through this you will be able to understand His heart and receive sight.
So as a believer, it is not only helpful for you to open your closed eyes, but also necessary if you are to run in such a way to win the prize. So don't use the blind eyes of your past, but take for yourselves the eyes He gave you, fashioned with His scarred hands and purchased for you through His blood. It is my exhortation to you, that though the world may tell you to prioritize your relationship with Him as any other relationship, you will open your eyes, take in all the glory of His light and allow the Light of the World to move you to reflect His light to this dark world.
Thought: "Darkness thrives in the void, but always kneels to purifying light."