Opening Eyes, Ears, and Mouths – September 9, 2024

Read: Isaiah 35:4-7

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Isaiah 35:4-6

Opening Eyes, Ears, and Mouths

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God promises to do more in these short verses than just open eyes, ears, and mouths. God uses his power for so much more. Even though this will be fulfilled or come true, literally, are your eyes open figuratively? That means, do you understand what God is doing with his power?

On the Fourth of July in America, there are displays of fireworks. It is a way to celebrate. Families and friends, coworkers and neighbors come together to enjoy the fireworks. But at the same time, many people do not enjoy fireworks. People with bad memories of loud noises and tragedy need to stay inside. Some adults and children are afraid of fireworks. Some people who own pets need to comfort them. Fireworks have great power.

God also has great power. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reveals his power, and we enjoy hearing about the good things like healing. But sometimes, we miss the full picture. It also says that God is coming with vengeance and retribution. These are two bad things for those on the other end. Vengeance is repaying someone for the wrong things that they have done. Retribution is similar. God uses his power to punish sin.

So, how can we be certain that God will use his power to heal us—like the blind, lame, deaf, and mute? Or will he use his power to punish us?

The answer to that question is in the One who came to fulfill this prophecy. It’s Jesus! Jesus was God himself, and he came with power. Jesus used that power to teach against those who rejected him, but also to heal those who believe in him.

When we believe in God’s power to save us through Jesus, we can be confident that he will use his power to heal and restore us. He does not always physically heal us, but he has released us from the power of sin. He has opened our eyes to see his salvation and healed us from the crippling power of sin.

Closing Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for showing us your power in your Word. Please help us to have confidence that you will use this almighty power for our good. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does God use his power for?
• How powerful is God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Give some examples from other Bible stories where God uses his power to heal.
• What is the most important thing that God has done in your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy from Isaiah?
• How will this prophecy be fulfilled on judgement day?