"He was amazed at their unbelief" (Mark 6:6)

​     Jesus spoke these words about the people from his hometown.  They were questioning, doubting, and taking offense at Jesus' teachings and actions.  They didn't believe in Him.  They didn't believe Jesus had the authority to teach and perform miracles by God's power.  And so we hear these words that we never want to hear about ourselves:  "He was amazed at their unbelief".
     Faith.  Belief.  Trust.  These words can be defined as a three-part process:
a. receiving information
b. acknowledging the information as truth
c. relying on that truth
 
   For example, a child is told that the piece of furniture in their house is a chair.  She/he learns and sees that the chair is strong enough to hold people when they sit on the chair.  And the child trusts this enough to sit on the chair.
 
    Here's the thing about faith.  It is the way that each of us receives information and truth.  It doesn't change the reality of what we trust in.  I mean, that chair is there whether a child believes it or not.  
    So with God.  He is Creator, Savior and Lord, whether anyone believes it or not.
    I think of faith in this way:  suppose a friend decides to give you a gift.  He may surprise you and just give it to you without any prior knowledge.  Or, he may tell you, "I have a gift for you.  And next week I will come to your house and give it to you."
    Faith is knowing about the gift ahead of time.  Some people like to know of a gift ahead of time.  Others like surprises.  So consider the advantages of knowing about a gift ahead of time.  You may enjoy the anticipation of wondering what the gift will be.  You may want to prepare for the gift, especially if you know something about it (like when your friend says, "you will really enjoy this gift on your next vacation!"  And you consider what it may be:  a new fishing rod, a reservation at a favorite restaurant, etc.). So you will be happy and tell others about this gift that you are expecting from your friend.
   Or think of faith in this way:  as a child asks for lunch, or for a bandage when hurt, or for a hug when sad, etc.  Yet the parent will do all
Of those things anyway, because the parent loves and will care for their child. 
   So faith is asking, as God already has and will
Continue to give and bless us. 
    So you and I know that God loves us.  That he has wonderful plans for us, as we have God with us always.  And he promises to equip us with all we need to follow Him.  He even promises us eternal life with him!  So we tell our family and friends and neighbors.  And we look forward to all that God promises to give!
    Keep in mind:  God loves ALL people.  He loves you even if you don't know or believe it.  He will be watching over you and caring for you and with you always, no matter what!
    But it sure is good to know this.  So let's tell the world!  About God's gift of salvation!!
 
God Bless,
 
Pastor Steve