January 24, 2024 — “There is no such thing as “blind faith.” 

“My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.” Proverbs 3:1-8

Having trust does not mean we will be protected from all harm. Having trust does not mean that all will be well with our lives all the time. By nature of being born human, we open ourselves to the inadequacies and the insufficiencies and, of course, the dangers of this life. This then should not crush our trust – it should double our efforts to find the G-d of trust and the G-d of hope that comes through Jesus Christ. In the sermon on the mount Jesus spoke to the people who would have had the most reason to lack hope and lack opportunity. He speaks to them saying: “Blessed are you who mourn, who are poor in Spirit, and who are meek.” Jesus says, “Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven”. In other words, Jesus reminds them that because they understand their hope comes in G-d, and G-d alone, then their futures are secured through G-d.

This is what gives us hope today. It is through G-d that our hope comes – and since the resurrection of Jesus, that hope became incarnate and manifest for those who continue in G-d’s hope. And then, we can live every day with our eyes wide open – helping those in need, giving hope to the hopeless, and loving the unlovable.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the faith that does not shut my eyes in comfort, but opens them to sharing in the needs of everyone around me. Amen.

Pastor Dave