Thursday, September 4, 2008

Devotions - Thurs, Sept 4

Why do people believe in Jesus as the Christ?

This morning I read Acts 13:1-12. The Apostles are summoned to the home of an influential man. Standing in their way is a magician, a "false prophet." Paul speaks God's Word and this false prophet loses his sight. The man who had invited the Apostles "believed, when he saw all that had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord."

It might be argued that he came to believe after he saw the miracle, the power, of Christ's followers. It could be argued that faith is a result of becoming convinced (by seeing a display of might) that God is truly God.

It could also be concluded that the miracle cleared the way so that the Word could make its way to the man. That it is the Word which brought about faith.

Why do you believe?

I should share my answer to my own question - I find myself caught up in a web of believers. I grew up in a Christian home. I benefited from a social circle in which church was very important. Along the way, I carefully examined what it was about that network which made it the caring, supporting place I experienced it to be.

Along the way, there were deaths and hardships - so I came to understand that it wasn't all that fancy stunting which keep the community together. An occasional miracle (if that is what you wanted to call it) only made the absence of miracles in another situation more painful. That community was not established on divine manipulation of events.

This community of folks believed, just as I came to believe, that God's Word is the sound which makes one's heart beat. God's Word astonishes us with its clarity, and insight, and truth. God's Word calls into being all that exists. It gives me hope and confidence.

There remain those who stand in opposition. They oppose with their actions; they oppose with their alternate interpretations of God's Word. Again, I turn to that network (to the community which bears Christ's name) for help in overcoming opposition. The community affirms for me that I am on the right path. The community helps me to understand the nuances of what God is saying to me.

Why do people believe? Why do you believe?

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