Mystery, reality of faith explored through Scripture, action
Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:1-11. Text: “LET US FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, THE AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2. Last week, we dealt with the barriers of faith in the hope that they will help us to understand the positive side. There is no clergy who would not have preached about faith.
While it seems so simple, it becomes multifaceted as we study it.
Let us learn again, with prayer on our lips and Bible in our hands, something new about that spiritual gift and power that establishes a connection between God and us, knowing that we cannot be the final authority on this subject. You have the privilege to have your own concept and views as well concerning faith.
A SUBJECTIVE SPIRITUAL CONNECTION FROM OBJECTIVE THEOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT.
The FOUR DIRECTIONS of faith are listed. Faith helps us to look UP toward God to search for and perceive his grace, will and blessing. Faith helps us to look INTO our hearts, so we can see more clearly who we are in the eyes of God. Faith directs our attention BACK into history to realize our mistakes and the divine providence. Faith turns our attention FORWARD to prepare us for the future.
The DOUBLE NATURE of faith is outlined. Faith is the most important to possess for salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. Yet Apostle James is correct also: “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17.
Faith is also a gift, yet we should strive for it as well. On one hand, faith is God’s gift: “Think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3. See also Ephesians 6:23. However, on the other hand, we should do our share also: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17. Or as apostle Judas had mentioned: “I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith.” Judas 3. Another version says: “Fight on for the faith” Good News Bible.
We know that faith which is possessed by an individual and also that one which is confessed by a congregation. Concerning the individual faith, Jesus had said this about the centurion: “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10; and apostle Paul wrote about the Christians in Rome: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.” Romans 1:8. See also Acts of Apostles 2:44. Think about the telephone; will it help if you are the only one in the community who has a telephone?
The roles of faith in our personal life are considered. Our faith CONNECTS us with love, hope, neighbor and the world. Our faith offers a DIFFERENT VIEW or mentality to see the world and people around us, and the problems we face. Our faith STRENGTHENS or enables us, to carry our cross and to be more patient, forgiving and understanding. Our faith COMFORTS us in difficult times, even in great loss. When a pastor is asked to officiate at a funeral service, it is easier for both, for the survived relatives and the minister, if the deceased was a believer. Our faith helps us to PRIORITIZE, or rearrange the values, because slowly we assess things in the wrong way. It was said that one of the most devious tricks of the devil is to exchange the price tags in the world, so we will be after whatever looks desirable yet really is cheap. Our faith HEALS our physical, emotional and spiritual wounds. Here comes the faith of a congregation or community. Apostle James has a specific reference to this service: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” James 5:15. If you know the people, then you also know how many of us are wounded, hurt and injured. There is practically speaking no one who would not need comfort, reassurance and healing.
Our Lord’s teaching, life, death and resurrection help us to obtain, keep and increase our faith as our text says: “let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.