Originally posted October 2019
FAITH AS A CONUNDRUM
The disciples once asked Jesus: Lord, increase our faith. His answer was, as we know: If you had faith as a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry bush, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea” and it would obey you. (Lk 17,6)
Jesus’ answer is open to several interpretations. But it seems as if the disciples had got their eyes on themselves, instead of the power of God
We, like the disciples, want to see our own faith increased!
Why is this such a difficult subject?
SOMETIMES IT IS EASIER TO TALK ABOUT WHAT SOMETHING IS NOT:
a. Faith is not some power we can own apart from God, and use to manipulate him. Instead, faith is dependence on God.
b. Neither is faith in God something we can fabricate.
ON THE OTHER HAND, WE CAN AFFIRM THAT:
c. We are accountable for our knowledge of God (Rom 1, 19-20)
d. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11,6)
Problems arise for us when we become concentrated on examining our own faith, instead of keeping our eyes on the object of faith – Christ.
THE ANSWER: THE HOLY SPIRIT
In 1972, a British Anglican bishop wrote a book called The Go-Between-God. I remember the title well; it captures an essential role of the Holy Spirit; that he brings Christ to us. He makes God real. He brings the life of God.
When we become Christians, we receive the Holy Spirit. According to John (see Jn chs 14-16), he is our paraclete (from the Greek word parakletos – παρακλητος): The word means helper – the one who is called to our side to help us.
The Holy Spirit is the key to faith!
It is when we fellowship with God, when we read his word, listen to his voice, that the Holy Spirit can breathe faith into us.
You have come home to your Father´s house, where all things are possible!
