The term “blind spot” is used in ‘automobile driving’ language to describe an area of the road that cannot be seen through the rear-view or side mirrors. Car manufacturers have developed something called Blind Spot Detection (BSD) which uses radar sensors mounted at the side of the car to reveal the ‘blind’ zone. Of course we also use the term “blind spot” metaphorically to mean a person cannot see themselves clearly. These “blind spots” can be due to ignorance, denial, or prejudice. Maybe we all need something like BSDs to see where we have blind spots, because as we look back (through our rear view mirrors) we are unable to see how people, and our reactions to them, affect us presently.
Paul had a giant blind spot (as did all the Pharisees): he was unable to see that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of the Messiah. Ironically, Paul had to be struck blind on the road to Damascus so that he could see Jesus for Who He really was!
I wonder if Paul remembered the words of Jesus: “I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind” (John 9:39). Was he among those Pharisees who heard Jesus’ words, and asked: “Are you saying we are blind?” During the three days Paul could no longer "see," he experienced a paradigm shift, reexamining the prophetic Scriptures that revealed Jesus to be the Son of God.
We should not overlook the implication of Paul’s experience. Admittedly, we have blind spots—we are unable to “see” Jesus as He is: the glorified and risen Lord who has called us into a life-giving relationship. Knowing the Ephesian believers were unable to ‘see’ Jesus in all His glory, Paul prayed “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you will know the hope of His calling and the riches of the glory of His inheritance…” (Eph. 1:18). As we read and meditate on God's Word, let us pray for this enlightenment (our "blind spot detection" system) that we might truly “see” Jesus.
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