Devotion - Wednesday, February 25

I am currently reading through Hebrews.  In the opening chapters, the writer discusses the "faith" of Abraham.  The word used is one that we often use - "believe."  This is a word with many meanings, many nuances.  And when used in scriptures it certainly means more than giving mental assent to what has been proposed.

We believe the Earth is third planet in our solar system.

We believe antibiotics will treat an infection.

We believe an Excel spreed sheet will accurately add the numbers in a column and give us a true sum.

To "believe" in God or Jesus is different.  As used in the scripture, it implies a trust, and alteration in one's life as a result of that which we have come to believe.

It was the advent of modern scientific method and all the new-found information which lead the Church in the late 1800's to arrive at what have been called the 5 core "beliefs".  Being a follower of Jesus, being a right and true Christian, got translated into "believing" those things.  It became the litmus test.  "Believing what the world cannot accept" was the measure of being a follower.

"Believing", in the Biblical story, means more.  It means trusting and serving as Jesus served.

Strive to become a "believer".  Strive to be one who trusts and depends on God.  Most "believers" remain unsure as to the details, but we have a deep and unwavering confidence in our belief.