Believing when others don't believe (Part 1)

Rev Enoch Thompson | APRIL 14, 2023 | Matthew 11:25-27

KEY VERSE:

²⁵At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Matthew 11:25-26 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

When those who witnessed the immediate physical miracles of the Lord did not believe, what hope is there that those who are remotely placed in time and location, like us, could believe? The discussion of the unbelief of the people of Bethsaida, Korazin and Capernaum in the preceding verses is linked to the Lord’s comments in verses 25 to 29 of Matthew 11. In this portion, the Lord shows us that when others choose to disbelieve, or not to respond positively to the light they have received, that will not stop others from being able to believe!

We can believe this because of two factors the Lord identifies in the text. Firstly, we can believe because what we are called to, in following the Lord Jesus Christ, is a child-like faith that does not have all the answers to all the questions that the worldly wise and learned will want to address before believing. The Christian faith is an intelligent faith in that it makes intellectual sense in its claims and teachings. It makes sense that an intelligent being, called God, existed before all things, and created everything we see, and all the order we see around us. There must be a Creator; it takes more faith to doubt the existence of God than it takes to believe in the existence of God! The Fall into sin by the first humans and the provision of God of a Lamb to wash away humanity's sin all make meaning and show the transforming power seen in the lives of those who believe. The Gospel calls for a child-like faith, not a childish faith. The child believes without reservation and with full conviction that what has been said is true, and what has been promised will be delivered.

Secondly, we can believe because we receive revelation from God Himself to us. Our feeble spiritual senses are strengthened by the help of a gracious merciful Father who by the power of His Holy Spirit reveals His Son to us as our Saviour and Lord (verse 27). We cannot, in and of ourselves, know God, till He draws us to Himself, and He is drawing all to His love because He wants all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

In an unbelieving world, will you make up your mind in simple child-like faith to believe in God and all He stands for? Will you build upon the light of revelation you have received so far, and develop your faith muscles, until the vision of God becomes a reality in your journey through life, and when you cross the river of death?

PRAYER:

Lord, I believe in you, when the world is becoming more and more godless because they do not believe. Please help me to truly believe. Lord, heal the Church of empty religion without God and His power to make us into the new humanity. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!