by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

An invitation to beneficial blindness and deafness – the key to deliverance from the deception occasioned by judging by sight and hearing by the ear (Isaiah 11:2-4).

I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.

But those who trust in idols, who say, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned away in shame. “Listen, you who are deaf! Look and see, you blind! Who is as blind as my own people, my servant? Who is as deaf as my messenger? Who is as blind as my chosen people, the servant of the Lord ? You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don’t really listen.” Because he is righteous, the Lord has exalted his glorious law.
Isaiah 42:16‭-‬21 NLT

But caution! You can be blind and ignorant and lazy failing to do what it takes to be a watchman and a shepherd, seeking only personal gain (see Isaiah 56:10-12 (NLT/ESV).

Watch out for the spirit of deception that’ll be at work in the days ahead.

Do the work, pay the price 👇

… Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:4‭-‬7 NLT

Shalom.