Just Believe

    At Christmas there were little plaques and decorations that noted, "Believe." I always thought of it as a reminder to believe that Jesus Christ was born as a baby, the Son of God in human flesh, to come and save the people of the world from the consequences of their sins. But this year, I looked around and realized, apparently for the first time, that this was about believing in Santa, believing in the Spirit of Christmas, believing in people, and whatever else people wanted to believe in to bring them hope at Christmas. 

    Interestingly enough, Jesus tells a synagogue ruler, in Mark 5:36, who just got the report that his daughter is dead, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Can you imagine? He barely knows this man named Jesus, yet he must trust that He can bring his daughter back to life. Mark 5: 41 reports that Jesus, "took her by the hand and said to her, 'Talitha koum!' (which means, 'Little girl, I say to you, get up!')." Watching such an event would surely make Jesus' disciples "believe" in His power and authority, right? 

    In Mark 6:47-52, the disciples are on the lake and straining to row again the wind, Jesus then walks on the water toward them and they are...believing? No, "terrified" (v. 50)! This water walking event is after the feeding of the 5000 and verse 52 notes, "their hearts were hardened." The truth of the matter is that as humans we are sinners, saved simply by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8). We are fragile and afraid, even when we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; even when we experience amazing changes in our lives for the better and miracles that can be explained solely by the existence of (and faith in) an Almighty God. 

    So, how do we "believe" with all our faults and flaws? Through faith, we put our trust and confidence in God alone, not ourselves, our feelings, our intuitions, our gut reactions, no, these things are sure to deceive us. We must believe that God is the Creator of the universe; that His Son Jesus came to live and die and overcome death for the sins of the world; and He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell those who "believe" in God's Son to give them guidance, direction, and ultimately, hope. Our hope is not in ourselves, but the One who told the terrified disciples, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Mark 6:50). 

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."