Family Ties

"But soon it was time for the Feast of the Tabernacles, one of the annual Jewish holidays, and Jesus' brothers urged him to go to Judea for the celebration. 'Go where more people can see your miracles!' they scoffed. 'You can't be famous when you hide like this! If you're so great, prove it to the world!' For even his brothers didn't believe in him."
John 7: 2-5

I wonder if Jesus' mother, Mary, ever opened up to explain the situation of Christ's birth. If she told the crowds at the Feast that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, would they believe her? Did she ever share with his brothers how the angel spoke to her and Joseph, how the heavenly host surrounded the shepherds in the fields at night? Did she ever recall the mysterious Magi, bringing their gifts of three? Did she dare to confide in her best friend, saying "I was a virgin when Jesus was born"? Or did she keep all these things in her heart?
Jesus, I wonder what you thought as you covertly mingled amongst the people at the Feast, listening to their varying opinions. Even today, amid the various beliefs and arguments, I visualize your deep brown eyes searching mine and asking, "What about you, Rachel? Who do you say I am?" You are the light of this dark world. Show me the way as we sojourn together, my Shepherd and my Friend.

Confidently Sure

 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

    Have you ever longed for a change in some area of your life? Maybe it's a loved one for whom you have been praying or perhaps a well established habit or pattern which you cannot break? In my own life, I got to thinking that perhaps a lack of faith is the reason why I don't see any change so I decided to study this topic in the gospels. 

    The Roman centurion came to Jesus asking for help in Matthew chapter eight. "Lord," he implored, "my servant lies at home, paralyzed, suffering terribly." Though he was a Gentile, a Roman, he addressed Jesus as Lord, and rightly so. In utter humility, he went on to say, "I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. Just say the word and my servant will be healed." The Bible says he amazed Jesus with this display of faith. (Can you imagine amazing Jesus?)

    Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Go!" he said to the centurion, "Let it be done just as you believed it would." His servant was healed at that moment.

    Did you noticed that it was done just as he believed it would? 

    I think my trouble lies in my unbelief. Do I really believe Jesus will save the person for whom I have been praying? 

    Skip ahead to the ninth chapter of Matthew where two blind men were following Jesus, calling out for mercy. Though they couldn't see, they knew who Jesus was, that's for sure. When Jesus asked them if they believed He was able to restore their sight, they responded, "Yes, Lord." Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." (emphasis added) And so it was. 

    The centurion and those two blind men were confident and sure in what they'd hoped for, certain about what they did not see. 

    Do I have that kind of faith? Or is there a hesitation, a reservation? I wish to have the faith of the woman who had been bleeding for twelve long years. She knew if she just touched the hem of His garment, she would be healed (Mark 5:28). Not "might" be healed but would be.

    Confidently sure. And why not? When the object of faith is Jesus, there is no reason to doubt!

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20