John Newton's well known hymn, "Amazing Grace" uses words taken directly from today's text. "I was blind but now I see" exclaims the man when Jesus restores his sight. Through the Lord's healing touch, the man is no longer a captive, locked in a world of darkness but now freed to live in one of light! Newton understood that before knowing Christ, we are blind and wretched, enslaved by sin. Only Jesus can rescue us from death and darkness, then welcome us into his marvelous light and the gift of eternal life!
Imitating Christ is one of several themes found in Philippians. Society often will lift up and celebrate individuals, praising them as the 'Greatest of...