“Faith Does.” Actually, I am not trying to say that faith does anything in and of itself. It is not an invisible magic force that operates in the world. Rather, by faith, we choose to act and God chooses to act in response to our faith. First, let’s look at what choosing to act in faith accomplishes.
Faith Obeys and Acts
Faith obeys, and true faith moves us to act. As James says, “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” (James 2:14-15) Abraham left Ur and then Haran by faith, seeking a country in which he would spend his entire life as an alien, a land that God promised to give him. By faith he gathered his servants, the wood, and his son Isaac to head for Mt. Moriah, the place of sacrifice, because he believed God would keep His promise even when it seemed impossible.
By faith Moses led a multitude of thousands into the desert believing God would lead them all the way to the Promised Land and that He would provide for them on the way. Joshua marched his army around an impregnable city wall for seven days. (I wonder what they were thinking on days four and five?) And Gideon pared down his grossly outnumbered forces to 300 men before the first recorded battle of his life.
Faith Rests
A Sabbath rest remains, therefore, for God’s people. For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience. (Heb. 4:9-11) In resting from our own works, we rely on the finished work of Christ Jesus.
Jesus calls us into His rest: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment