Spit on My Face

In Mark 8:22-26 we read the story of a blind man who was brought to Jesus for healing. The people of the town begged Jesus to touch the man and heal him. Jesus’ response was unique. He took the man by the hand and led him out of the village, away from the people. While alone, He spit on the man’s eyes.

This is a strange healing. Jesus could have healed this man instantaneously, just by speaking the words. The way He chose to heal this man is telling and has strong implications. First Christ led the man away from the people, away from the society who pitied him because of his blindness. Then He spit on him. Stop and imagine what must have been going through the mind of this man. He cannot see what’s happening around him and has placed his trust in a person who has now spit on him.

Healing did happen not right away. First there was a glimmer of hope. The man could see but not clearly. Christ touched the man’s eyes once again. Then his sight was completely restored!

The instructions Christ gave him after this healing seem counterintuitive. He told him not to return to the village. Why? Wouldn’t it have been a great testimony to those who begged for his healing?

This man was once blind, but now he could see. He was now a different person. He was not to go back to a life of dependence on others. He was now whole and complete and needed a fresh start. He was not to be tied down by the perceptions of others and the shackles of his former life.

Similarly, I spent many years in a state of blindness. I did not see the reality of my situation, but God saw what I was blind to see. Through it all His eyes have been on me. 

Just like the man in the scripture, I felt alone, insecure and did not understand why God did not heal me right away. I was frustrated when my prayers were not answered the way I thought they should be. For me, it was excruciating to live life as “normal,” in the midst of my suffering. I could not bear the thought of others going on and living their happy lives, while mine was so broken. There were times I lived moment to moment praying for God to help me with the pain. Time after time I cried out to Him. Minute by minute, He has carried me through. Just like the scripture below He has heard my cries and given me comfort. 

“O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” (Psalm 61:1-4 New Living Translation).

For me, healing has taken a long time. I recall one morning, I woke up and the all-consuming thoughts of my failed marriage weren’t the first things that came to mind. Then there were days where it didn't take up my every thought. Then there was a day when the ache in my heart wasn't there. It took me a couple days to notice, but when I realized it, I was overjoyed. The pain was still there but the debilitating ache was gone. My prayers for healing have not been answered right away and just like the blind man in this scripture, God has chosen a unique way to heal my broken heart.