Monday, October 9, 2006

Believe

I wonder how many times in our lives we have missed out on God's mighty works because of our unbelief. I am currently reading through the Gospel of Matthew, and I paused when I read the words, "And He did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief" (ch. 13, v. 58). Those in Jesus's own hometown could not/would not believe Him, honor Him, and even took offense at Him. They were prideful, not wanting to give Him authority over them. They thought He was one of them; He became "one of them" in order to reach them. He was and is GOD. He can do mighty works here, if we believe.

Mark tells the story of a father who comes to Jesus, asking Him to heal his son, saying, "...if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" We do believe; we must also ask God for faith and belief in our weakness and frailty. He gives us the gift of saving faith; we must exercise our faith and belief in Him daily by knowing Him through His Word.