Walking in darkness

Jesus said, “I am the truth and the light.” Isaiah also expressed it quite well.

Isaiah 42:18-19, “Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.”
I saw a man standing and staring, eyes wide open, yet not perceiving; listening, yet not hearing, he answers only to his corrupting idolatrous ways; lethargic, sedate, irrational, refusing to forebear the word of truth. As it was in the days of Noah, it was also in the days of Sodom. And once again, we have come full circle, and be assured, destruction will rain down from heaven because the LORD is a sure witness against all evil.

We sin because we are sinners: stubbornness of will, destitute of morals, and lacking understanding; these walk hand in hand with the spirit of destruction.

Ephesians 4:17-18, “Walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.”

God’s people are to set their eyes on the Lord. Our God has given abundantly, but men abuse His goodness, living greedily, intoxicated with the world, without control, lazy, numbed by drugs, drunken by strong drink, and lusting one for another.

Revelation 20:12, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened.”

John said, “I saw the woman --- having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” Detestable, lost souls, branding irons prepared for the fire. But soon, the Lord will wash the filth from his hands.

This is a wee bit confusing, because it is not what Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 18, 19 say:

18Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

19Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD'S servant?

That's really different, is it not?

Examine my quotation marks. the rest is my comment.
Isaiah 42:18-19, “Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.”

I saw a man standing and staring, eyes wide open, yet not perceiving; listening, yet not hearing, he answers only to his corrupting idolatrous ways; lethargic, sedate, irrational, refusing to forebear the word of truth. As it was in the days of Noah, it was also in the days of Sodom. And once again, we have come full circle, and be assured, destruction will rain down from heaven because the LORD is a sure witness against all evil.

Look how it starts !!! And what it says leading to those verses

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles…..: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

….I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight.

These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see. Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD's servant? Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:1, 3-4, 6-10, 13, 16, 18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51:4‬ ‭

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1, 4, 9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

listening to Jesus judgements shines the light on us

There is only one Servant of YHWH ("the LORD") in the OT, and He is none other than Jesus of Nazareth. Why is Jesus called "blind" and "deaf"? Because He did not come to judge the world (at His first coming). Rather He came to offer salvation to all. And he is described as being perfect. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. (Isa 42:3) A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. (Mt 12:20)

Isaiah 42:18-19
Context:
These verses appear within a broader section of Isaiah known as the "Servant Songs," focusing on a figure chosen by God to bring salvation and justice to the world. In this specific chapter, the focus is on the servant's characteristics and mission.
Key Points:

• Deafness and Blindness: The verses employ powerful metaphors of deafness and blindness to depict a lack of understanding and perception. This could refer to:
  • Spiritual blindness: The inability to recognize God's presence and plan.
  • Ignorance of God's message: Failure to heed God's word and warnings.
  • Inability to see the suffering around them: Neglecting the needs of others.
• The Servant: The verses identify this servant as:
  • God's chosen one: Highlighting their special role and responsibility.
  • Blind despite their connection to God: This creates a paradox, emphasizing how even those close to God can be spiritually blind.
  • A metaphor for various figures: Some interpret the servant as Israel, others as the Messiah, and others as a collective representation of God's faithful followers.
• Call to Action: The verses conclude with a strong call to action: "Hear... and look!" This is an exhortation to overcome spiritual blindness and actively listen to God's message.

Interpretations:
There are various interpretations of these verses, depending on theological perspectives:

• Literal vs. Metaphorical: Some interpret the deafness and blindness literally, while others view them as metaphors for spiritual realities.
• Identity of the Servant: Interpretations vary on who the servant represents, impacting the specific message applied.
• Application: The call to action can be applied individually or collectively, urging personal reflection and engagement with God's will.

Beyond the Verses:

• These verses highlight the importance of spiritual awareness and responsiveness to God's message.
• They raise questions about responsibility and accountability within a covenant relationship with God.
• They offer a call to overcome spiritual blindness and actively participate in God's work.

This was already quoted by me and there is no one other than Christ who is perfect. So that pretty well settles the matter.