“The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind…” (Ps. 146:8)
As a result of an accident, a three-year-old boy named Louis became blind. For most people this would have been a crippling problem. But little Louis, who was born in 1809, was determined not to be limited by this blindness. Eventually, he was able to attend the National Institute for Blind Children in Paris and later even became a teacher there. He also became an accomplished musician.
In 1821, he met a soldier named Charles Barbier who explained a code system he had invented called “night writing.” This allowed soldiers to communicate using combinations of 12 raised dots. Louis was intrigued by this idea.
Realizing its potential, Louis developed an even simpler system using only six dots. This system eventually became known as “braille,” after his last name, Louis Braille. In 1827, he even published a book using this new technique which revolutionized life for the blind.
Sadly, blindness remains a serious problem to this day. But, thankfully, even those who are completely blind are still able to read, thanks to Braille’s innovations.
As difficult a problem as physical blindness is, there is an even greater blindness people suffer from: spiritual blindness. Paul said their understanding is darkened “because of the blindness of their heart” (Eph. 4:18). They are blinded to the gospel by the god of this world, Satan.
“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.” (2Cor. 4:4)
As you go about your day, think about the many around you who may be blinded to the gospel of Jesus. Be ready, because God may give you a Divine Appointment to share the gospel so that Jesus can open their blinded eyes!