I have been thinking a lot about the parable of “the blind men and the elephant.” Each of them was able to touch a different part of the elephant and each had a partial perspective. This parable does not have a clear ending, but it opens the door for each one of us to think about it and make our own decisions. Here are a few points:
All of them were blind.
All of them were partially right.
All of them were also partially wrong.
If they would be able to communicate and “see” the elephant through another set of “blind” eyes, they would be able to get a better picture of the elephant.
They had two options, either be open to learn from each other or continue with the partial picture.
We need each other, we only see in part; and when I am not open to “see” what you see I will forever continue to partially know and understand. The lack of communication (ability to communicate) and the division at times may cause all the blind men to be so angry with each other that it feels like they would rather kill the elephant, cut it into pieces just to continue happily with their partial “blind” vision.
The truth is that we are all like the blind men. Even our ability to see or hear comes from God, and I think that a lot of times it will come through relationships, being able to hear and receive a different perspective. We may never overcome our blindness, and to walk with God (the elephant), we need each other. Without each other we will forever walk in the partial revelation that each one of us have.
I made a short list of scriptures that show that even our ability to hear and to see comes from God. “Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.” (Psalm 40:6, NRSV)
Jesus spoke in parables and many could not hear what He was saying. “He who has ears, let him hear.” And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” (Matthew 13:9–11, NASB95)
God told Isaiah to speak to the people, but their ears were dull, and their eyes were dim. “He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.”” (Isaiah 6:9–10, NASB95)
The capacity to hear and to see is given by God!
Romans 11:8
Deuteronomy 29:4
Matthew 15:12-14
Matthew 13:11-17
1 Corinthians 13:9-10
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant
Give Me Eyes to See, and Ears to Hear
