Greetings in Christ,
As a human, we can be hard to convince of some fact at times. We want proof of something before we try to believe. We want proof in the pudding before we attempt to allow our minds to process the information in our understanding something is possible.
There are scientists constantly working to prove things do exist, and how they were formed or created. They do not rest until they come up with some formula or physical proof of how the earth was formed, or how matter has progressed. They cannot accept that things just happened because a supreme being decided to form the earth or create mankind. There must be a process which can be traced in the development of mankind and the earth.
When we have a disagreement with someone, we go to great lengths to prove one side is right and the other wrong. For example: just last night I was eating dinner out in a restaurant with my wife (Sue). I was telling her I need to see a chiropractor to work my shoulder and back. She knew of a chiropractor in town, but she could not remember his name. She wanted to drive by his place of business to get his name and number. I made the statement what if he does not have his number on the sign. She said he should have his number on the sign. Sue was not going to rest till we drove by the place of business to get his name and number. Needless to say, we only saw his name on the sign. The proof had to be sought before we could go home. We had to have that tangible evidence.
You may be chuckling at my story, but you have been there just as we have. We all try to prove a point, and we do not let it drop until we have evidence we are right. We must have that tangible physical evidence before we believe or to prove our point. We look for something we can hold or touch before we believe in something or at least try to process it in our mind. We want tangible evidence.
The Pharisees had the same problem. They did not believe the prophets who came to announce God plan for mankind. They did not agree with the prophets because of one thing or another. The prophets did not fit into their idea of whom they were or where they came from. They were prophesying the wrong message which conflicted with the Pharisees plans or thoughts. Instead, the Pharisees killed off those who opposed them and acted like they had done no wrong. Jesus was reminding them of the blood they had on their hands by killing the prophets, and how their need for tangible evidence was working against them.
Paul writes to the Romans telling them they need to rely on faith in their quest for salvation. They need to believe in Jesus Christ and call on His name. Paul on one hand tells the Romans to have faith, but also tells them to confirm it by confessing it with their mouth. Paul understood the nature of mankind and gave the Romans a way to have faith, but also to have tangible evidence of salvation in their lives. By confessing with their mouths, they have confirmed to the world of the action which had taken place in their life.
We as humans have a hard time accepting things on faith. We do not always accept things without proof or tangible evidence, but there is something powerful in the proclamation of what God is doing in our lives to others. It gives others hope, and it is something tangible to understand. God understands our need for tangible evidence to grasp. He wants us to proclaim Him and what He has done so we can overcome our weakness so we can live by faith. Our proclamation of what God is doing in our lives is our tangible evidence of God working in our lives. Let us shout out what God is doing!
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, sea monsters and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars;
beasts and all cattle; creeping things and winged fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and virgins; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. And He has lifted up a horn for His people, praise for all His godly ones; even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 148
Lord may we proclaim You goodness to the world! Amen
Blessings,