Psalm 146:8 reminds me a lot of Isaiah 61 and Luke 4. In Luke 4, Jesus, speaking in the synagogue in Nazareth, picks up the scroll from Isaiah 61 and begins reading, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD" Then Jesus added that today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.
It's apparent that the promise of Psalm 146:8 is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Opening the the eyes of the blind or recovery of sight to the blind appear to have more of a spiritual meaning than a physical meaning. Yes, Jesus did heal the blind physically, but the greater meaning has to do with those who are blind spiritually, emotionally. Those confused by life and/or its questions. Those who come to God or Christ begging for sight, for understanding, for truth will find it in Him.
When we do humble ourselves before God and seek Him, He lifts us up and out of our plight. Now, getting to the point where we are willing to ask God for help can be an interesting journey. For many of us we have to be at the breaking point in life before we're willing to turn to God. Like a two year old, we would rather do it ourself. So we wrestle it ourselves, worry, get frustrated, angry, destroy a few relationships before we're willing to consider submitting it to God.
As long we hang onto our issues, our life, our agenda we miss the greatest promise of this passage. The verse says that God loves the righteous, that means has an intimate relationship and bond with those who've surrendered themselves to God through Christ. Righteousness only comes through Christ, not from ourselves. As long as we keep holding on to our issues or our life, we can never experience the joyful relationship with God.
God, thanks for loving us. I admit that I have a tendency to try to handle everything in life on my own. I know I need you, but I also know I'm stubborn sometimes, ok a lot of times. Give me your vision. Give me your strength. Lift me up. Embrace me as I turn to you and release my life and ministry to you.
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