You hasten to the Lord on behalf of your father’s body, and this is good, for a right-minded child cares for his parent. But let not your heart be riveted to things that are seen, neither account this surgery some great matter, as though your father’s true good lay in the clearing of his physical eyes. Let us rather hasten unto our Father and long for the things to come. Even we who have the first-fruits of the Spirit groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. So while you pray for a successful surgery at a government hospital, and that the schemes of men may provide it without cost, remember that the greater freedom is the freeing from sin, which God alone bestows.
Do you not see? This bodily ailment is an opportunity for a spiritual surgery. The house of God is a hospital for souls, that whatever wounds we receive in this world we may heal them here, not gather fresh ones. The cataract that clouds your father’s sight is nothing compared to the dimness sin casts over the soul. Entreat the Great Physician to use this trial to draw your father and all your household nearer to Him. For what profit is it if his natural eyes be restored, yet the eyes of his heart remain closed to the judgment to come? The Son has authority to execute judgment, and He quickens whom He will. Let reverence for that judgment stir you to a more fervent plea, not merely for a successful cutting by the surgeon’s hand, but for a healing that reaches to the inward man.
Do not place ultimate trust in a white food card or government schemes, though it is right to use them. The freedom men give reaches only to a name. If the Son make you free, you shall be free indeed. Bring your father’s need before the Lord, certainly, but also enjoin upon yourself the care that produces a rich spiritual traffic. While he recovers, let your companions be the poor and free, and let your father see you clothing the naked and visiting the prison, so that he may reap a harvest God loveth. Pray that his earthly vision be restored, but strive with all earnestness that you both may obtain that better country, where the redeemed body will know no decay. For He gave Himself for our sins, according to the will of our God and Father, that He might deliver us from this present evil world. Therefore pray, and having prayed, leave the outcome in His holy will, for the servant’s duty is to ask; the Master’s prerogative is to give as He sees fit for our salvation.