Meditations On Faith - 5

Faith And Truth Are Bedfellows

`Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.' (Romans 10:17)

Having considered some of the attributes of true faith, who of us would not wish that we had a faith that could turn God's promises into present realities, a faith that can see life where there is only death, a faith that can see through high mountains and picture the verdant valleys on the other side?

But what part can we play in order to achieve such a faith? We do know that faith is a gift from God, but what is it that determines the size of the gift that we receive? Is there something we can do to make our gift larger? Are some more privileged than others in that they possess great faith? Does my lineage have something to do with my allotted portion of faith?

Scripture gives us the simple answer . . . Faith comes from hearing the words of Jesus. (Romans 10:17)

No doubt it was with this thought in mind that Paul counseled the Colossians . . .

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." (Colossians 3:16)

But just how do we let the words of Jesus "dwell in us richly?"

Clearly Paul's advice alludes to somewhat more than a once-a-week exposure to the words of Jesus when we attend church. If the words of Jesus are to dwell in us richly, we need to realise that the word ‘dwell’ implies residing or abiding - it implies a sense of permanence. 

In other words, we are to be a home for the words of Jesus. Just as we return to our homes every day to enjoy rest and comfort and the companionship of our loved ones, so God intends that the words of Jesus are to abide in our souls to provide us with spiritual rest, godly comfort, and heavenly companionship.

This is vital, for when we become a home for God's word, we actually become a dwelling place for God.

Practically speaking, therefore, God is inviting us to attend a daily Word feast. In order to do this, we have to push aside all the distractions of the world in order to make some time in every day for the express purpose of feeding on the words of Jesus. This is how we become the children of faith for . . .

"The truths of the Word of God meet man's great practical necessity - the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life." (FLB123)

"Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving." (COL101)

"It is faith that familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God; and when we live with an eye single to His glory, we discern more and more the beauty of His character. Our souls become strong in spiritual power, for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven, and, realizing that God is at our right hand, we shall not be moved. . . . We should live as in the presence of the Infinite One. . . . Divine wisdom will order the steps of those who put their trust in the Lord. Divine love will encircle them, and they will realize the presence of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit." (OHC324)

Yet the purpose of this special time with Jesus is not only to increase our knowledge of God, and with it our faith, . . .

"Our Saviour wants you to keep in close relation to Himself, that He may make you happy." (FLB123)

Just as the drinking of water quenches our thirst, so it is that when we drink from the word of God, we quench the thirst of our souls - and the reward is a wonderful sense of peace, a calm and heavenly repose, and an abiding confidence that grows out of the knowledge that we `rest in the shadow of the Almighty.' (Psalm 91:1)

Life can be so meaningful if we can only attend the daily banquet of faith, but it can be so empty when we fail to do so, for . . .

"If we even once omit our daily duty of calling upon God for His divine aid, His care and protection, we lose one days enjoyment. We have not the sweet, melting influence of God's Holy Spirit attending us through the day, but we feel cast down and easily discouraged." (1SAT7)

Thus it is that `God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His Word, the truth of His promises. He bids us "taste and see that the Lord is good." Ps. 34:8. . . . He declares, "Ask, and ye shall receive." John 16:24. His promises will be fulfilled. They have never failed; they never can fail.' (FLB123)

So when it comes to faith, let us think big. There is a part that we can play, and the more we play our part, the greater will be our faith - and the greater will be the blessing received.

"We need not seek to quench our thirst at shallow streams; for the great fountain is just above us, of whose abundant waters we may freely drink, if we will rise a little higher on the pathway of faith." (MB19)

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters . . . as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 

`You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands . . . " (Isaiah 55:1,10-12)

`Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.' (Romans 10:17)