The Open Eye
Isaiah 42:18-20
Hear, you deaf; and look, you blind, that you may see.…


The spiritual eye is not the victim of accident or senility, although its clearer powers of vision may often be marred by sin and hampered by indolence. The spiritual eye is an open eye, full of meaning and purpose, cleansed by the tears of penitence, lighted up by faith end love, The eye is open; but not of that pitiful kind that is recognised as vacant. It is bright with significance, clear in its aim, strenuous and persevering in its direction. It has certain characteristic ranges of vision, and these, so Scripture and experience alike teach, are threefold.

I. IT LOOKS INWARD. It contemplates the soul. The eye first marks the worst within, an evil so general, so potent, that the main feeling is one of despair. It may now see the best that lies also within. For here, in the human heart, it perceives the work of the Holy Spirit.

II. IT LOOKS OUTWARD. It looks upon the world —

1. Of nature.

2. Of humanity.

III. IT LOOKS UPWARD — Godward. Nor is the upward look of the soul to God merely a passing act of worship (Psalm 25:15), but the very foretaste of His favour and aid. It is only the heart which is pure of earthly aims and hopes that shall at last reach the perfect vision of God.

(B. Whitefoord.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

WEB: "Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.




The Ear and the Eye as Symbols
Top of Page
Top of Page