Eight students of a school in Kandhamal district’s Phiringia block had a nightmarish beginning to their day when they could not open their eyes. Reason: Some fellow students had allegedly applied adhesive to their eyelids while they were fast asleep the previous night. They had to be hospitalized. (The New Indian Express, 13 September 2025) They became blind, could not see light, and their life became dark for a few hours. Thank God, the doctors could help them recover their sight.
Satan blinds people: “ In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (II Corinthians 4:4) Mischievous students played a prank by temporarily blinding their friends’ eyes. However, Satan permanently, for eternity, desires to blind people from seeing the light and understanding the way of salvation. Simple medicines or methods cannot restore the eyesight of all humanity blinded by Satan.
Open the eyes: God commissioned Paul to open the eyes of those blinded by Satan, and help them to see, deliver them from darkness to light, Satan’s kingdom to God’s Kingdom. (Acts 26:16-18) This is a great accomplishment impossible by all human attempts, only by divine intervention. God uses human agents like Paul or any devoted disciples to proclaim the gospel, and the Holy Spirit convicts a person. Thus, the light of the gospel shines in their hearts. (II Corinthians 4:6)
Blindness and darkness: Those who are blind are forced to live in darkness, even in daytime or under light. People living in darkness could see a great light as the Messiah came into the world. (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16) Sinners have a double disadvantage. First, they are blinded by Satan; second, they dwell in darkness. Hence, they grope, stumble, and fall. Their only hope is the gospel.
Can see, so lead: All born-again believers could see as their eyes are opened, hence, lead, guide others who are imprisoned by blindness and darkness.
Do I see, perceive, and lead others from darkness to light?