faith
06 - 02/25 /17:40
Jesus was amazed and said, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
— Matthew chapter 8
Being a person of faith is culturally acceptable. As is being a spiritual person. Having faith or identifying as a spiritual person better aligns with Christianity than does materialism.
Gospel faith, however, is very specific. New Testament faith is faith in Jesus. The eighth chapter of Matthew provides readers seven encounters of what faith in Jesus looks like.
First, a man suffering a disfiguring skin disease knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can heal me.” It can read as a challenge, a dare to Jesus to display His power. But would Jesus respond to a dare? More likely, the diseased man verbalized trust in Jesus to do what was best. Faith in Jesus means trusting Him with your life and destiny.
Second, an officer of the Roman army of occupation asked Jesus for help. “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” The officer came to Jesus on behalf of his servant; not a family member or even one of his soldiers. He brought his suffering slave to Jesus. Faith in Jesus means bringing to Jesus those who suffer, including those who may not share our advantages.
Third, Matthew records that Jesus healed all the sick. Faith in Jesus means believing that healing is available for all. Jesus claimed that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.
Fourth, a teacher of the Jewish law said to Jesus, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus responded, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Faith in Jesus means following Christ while expecting no material advantage in this world.
Fifth, while sailing with His disciples a sudden, furious storm arose, threatening to swamp their boat—drowning them all. Jesus rebuked the wind, calming the sea and amazing His disciples. “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” Faith in Jesus testifies to what Jesus does.
Sixth, landing their sailboat in the region of the Gadarenes, they were confronted by two violent demon-possessed men. The demons feared Jesus would drive them out. And He did. Faith in Jesus drives out the violent. We are not called to fight the violent. Rather, faith in Jesus shines His truth on this world’s darkness, releasing Christ’s power against the violent.
Seventh, some men brought to Jesus a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. People with faith in Jesus bring others to Jesus.
Faith in Jesus is not secret service. Faith in Jesus means to advocate, to be an influencer for Jesus. Faith in Jesus expresses itself in tangible ways, identifying with Jesus and making Him known. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard