In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
— 2 Corinthians 4:4

I once watched a television interview with a very famous, wealthy businessman who is well known for his public opposition of biblical teaching. During the conversation, the interviewer asked this famously rich unbeliever for his opinion about the state of the world today. I was shocked to hear how he answered!

The man replied that the world in general had never been in better shape than it is in right now. As evidence to support his claim, he specifically mentioned the shift of morality away from traditional values, the widespread acceptance of same-sex marriage, and the emergence on the political and economic scene of a one-world system that he believed will turn the planet into an altogether better place. I was stunned at his answers. I wondered, How can anyone be so blind to the reality of what is taking place in the world today?

*[If you started reading this from your email, begin reading here.]

There does seem to be a very real form of blindness that causes a person not to see what is happening in this modern age. What really amazes me is that often the people who make these comments are actually intellectually brilliant! As I listened to this man speak, I wondered, How can people be so smart and yet so blind to the truth? But then the Holy Spirit reminded me of Paul’s words in Second Corinthians 4:4, where he wrote, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” According to Paul, unbelievers really are blind to the truth!

When Paul wrote that Satan has “blinded” the minds of unbelievers, he chose the Greek word tuphloo for the word “blinded.” This is very important because the word tuphloo doesn’t just depict a person who is unable to see; rather, it vividly portrays a person who has been intentionally blinded by someone else. Someone has deliberately removed that individual’s eyes and permanently blinded him. This person hasn’t just lost his sight; he has no eyes to see.

Paul continued by saying that Satan “…blinded the minds of them which believe not….” This word “minds” is the Greek word noema, which is a form of the word nous. The word nous simply means mind. However, as the word noema, it no longer refers to the physical mind, but rather denotes the thoughts, reasoning, opinions, feelings, beliefs, or views that a person holds. Thus, Paul’s words in Second Corinthians 4:4 explicitly state that Satan has “gouged out” the spiritual eyes of skeptics and unbelievers to such a degree that it has affected their ability to see things correctly. Their thoughts, reasoning, opinions, feelings, beliefs, and views of what they experience and perceive are obstructed, hindered, and impeded. As a result, they are blinded from a correct view of the way things really are.

If you have any unsaved friends or relatives who seem “blind” to the truth, this verse may explain why they can’t seem to see the true state of things. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their spiritual eyes so they can see the truth. The fact is that we are living in the last of the last days, and the world around us is changing very quickly. Events that were long ago prophesied in Scripture are unfolding before our very eyes. We have crossed the line and entered into the final chapter of history as we know it.

Thank God that by studying the Scriptures we can identify the time and exact age in which we live. With this knowledge before us, we can live soberly with eternity in view. Time is short, so we must wisely use the time that remains and shine the light of the Gospel into the lives of those whom Satan has blinded. The moment they believe, the Holy Spirit creates eyes for them to see. That is why it is so important that we don’t stop preaching the Gospel — even if people act like they don’t want to hear it.

As committed Christians, it is time for us to live with our eyes wide open to the times and to the events that are occurring around us. If we have friends or family who are unsaved and therefore blind to the truth, it is more urgent than ever that we fervently pray for God to give them eyes so they can see the truth that will save and deliver them.

Soon Jesus will come, and everything will change forever. Until then we have time to pray for those whom Satan has blinded. It isn’t that they are naive — they are blind. Satan has gouged out their eyes, blocked their view, and affected their minds. They have no eyes to see. Spiritual eyes are created for them to see only as the Gospel is preached and the Holy Spirit touches their minds.

Are you someone God wants to use so people’s eyes will be opened to see the truth? Maybe it’s time for you to quit praying for others to fill that role and recognize that God is asking you to be the one to share the Gospel with those who don’t know Him and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! Keep your eyes open for opportunities to help the spiritually blind see, and the Lord will accommodate you with people who are hungry to listen and ready to see!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray for my family, friends, loved ones, and even my enemies as You told me to do. I ask in the name of Jesus that You would open up the eyes of their understanding to Your truth and to the reality of what is taking place in the world around them. Holy Spirit, I ask You to help them turn from darkness to light so that they would abandon what’s worthless and come to know and serve You, the Living God. Holy Spirit, I also ask You to help me recognize and respond to the opportunities you bring across my path for me to be a witness for Your glory. I am not ashamed of the Gospel, and I receive Your wisdom to win souls with the right words at the right time.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am aware I’m living in the last of the last days. Prophecy is unfolding before my eyes. The world has entered into the final chapter of history as we know it. I exalt You, Father God, and I thank You that Your Holy Word equips me with the strength and wisdom I need for the time and the age I’m living in. I choose to live soberly with eternity constantly in my view. I make the most of every opportunity to let my light shine for Christ brightly and without compromise. My lifelong desire is that others who sit in darkness will be drawn to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through the light they see in me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!