Observation: In the time of the Babylonian exile, the people of Judah are in a foreign land, with no clear way forward. In this context, God's promise, to lead the blind by a road they do not know, must be especially comforting. At this time in history, all of God's people must feel symbolically blind: not able to see how they got here, nor how they will get out. They will have to depend completely on God's guidance.
I also find it meaningful that God's promise is not a promise to "change" those who are blind in some way. No miraculous healing here. God's promise is to make the road accessible. God will guide them, so they can travel exactly as they are.
Application: The more I listen to the stories of people with disabilities today, the more differently I read stories of people with disabilities in the Bible. Sometimes the "healing" we seek comes from being accepted as we are. I have a son with autism. I don't pray for him to be "healed" and become neurotypical. Instead, I pray that the people around him will get to know him, and realize that if they adjust their expectations and assumptions ever so slightly, they will get to know such a creative, capable and gifted kid. God doesn't always heal by making blind people no longer blind. Sometimes God heals by sending the guides and making the road walkable for all people.
Prayer: God, make our communities and our hearts accessible for all people. Send us as your guides for those who need a hand. Make the rough places in our hearts smooth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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