►Click HERE to view today's "Word from the Word"
To “marvel” is to experience a profound sense of wonder or
amazement. There are only two Biblical accounts of Jesus “marveling” at
something. Both accounts were based on
His observations of faith exhibited by others.
The contrast between marveling at great faith and marveling
at unbelief is a fascinating one. In Matthew 8:10, we see Jesus marveling at
the great faith of a centurion, who trusted that Jesus could heal his servant
from a distance. This man's faith was remarkable, and Jesus was impressed by
it. On the other hand, in today's passage from Mark 6, Jesus is astonished at
the unbelief of the people in His hometown, who refused to trust in Him despite
His mind-blowing miracles and profound teachings. Jesus had performed many
miracles in their presence. He had
taught them, healed them, and shown them God's love and power, yet incredibly
they still refused to believe in Him.
This contrast highlights the importance of faith in our
relationship with God. When we exercise great faith, like the centurion, we
demonstrate our trust in God's power and promises, and it brings joy and
amazement to His heart. However, when we succumb to unbelief, like the people
in Nazareth, we grieve the Holy Spirit and limit God's ability to work in our
lives.
As we consider this contrast, we are exhorted to examine our
own faith. Are we like the centurion,
trusting God for great things, or are we like the people in Jesus' hometown,
doubting and unbelieving? As Jesus looks into our hearts, does He marvel at our
faith? Or does He marvel at the unbelief
that lingers despite everything we've seen, heard, and experienced?
Take a moment today to reflect on the areas of your life
where doubt overshadows faith. Seek the Holy Spirit's help to turn your doubt
and unbelief into a robust trust. By cultivating resilient faith, we can shift
from causing Jesus to marvel at our unbelief to becoming a testimony of
remarkable faith. Envision Jesus being impressed by your steadfast trust. Let this vision motivate you to grow deeper
in your faith and trust in Him daily.
May the Lord grant you a faith that is pure, unwavering, and remarkable, a faith that makes His heart marvel with delight. May your trust in Him be so unshakeable, so childlike, and so abandoned, that it brings a smile to His face and joy to His heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment