Friday: Further Thought – Blessed Are Those Who Believe
Daily Lesson for Friday 15th of November 2024
Read Ellen G. White, “The Test of Faith,” Pages 145–155, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “In Pilate’s Judgment Hall,” Pages 723–740, in The Desire of Ages.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
Thomas “cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, ‘My Lord and my God.’ ”
“Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief: ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ The faith of Thomas would have been more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to believe upon the testimony of his brethren. Should the world now follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation; for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.
“Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, Pages 807, 808.
Discussion Questions
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The lesson's title, "Blessed are those who believe" has the potential to remain unfinished. James adds this thought:
Belief in itself is insufficient. It's a bit like a mathematician knowing that vectors are a great mathematical idea but never actually using them.
Luke tells this story about Paul and Herod Agrippa:
Paul knew Agrippa believed, yet he, Agrippa, refused to act on his convictions.
It is insufficient to know the theory and believe the theory is right. Our spiritual belief should be the springboard for action. James makes this clear:
And just to be clear, I am not promoting the notion we have to work to be saved. But, if you have the sort of faith that does not produce action then all you have is a pile of meaningless words. Jesus never taught theoretical Christianity.
Ok, fair enough. but one instance does not make a Christian. Note that this is Herod Agrippa II. Ultimately he sided with the Romans. The final days of the Herodian dynasty makes interesting reading.
Theoretical Christianity refers to the academic and intellectual exploration of Christian theology and doctrine, focusing on its abstract, philosophical, and systematic aspects. It involves the rational analysis and critique of Christian beliefs and practices, often using philosophical and scientific methods.
Yes I agree Jesus never taught this type of Christianity.
Jesus taught real genuine, straight forward Christianity. Even a baby Christian could understand.
I am thankful that God understands many of us, like Thomas, seek hard evidence to believe in something. For that reason, He gave us prophecies. I do think I would still believe in God without them, but they serve as protection against Satan’s attacks, which aim to plant doubt in our minds.
I found it interesting that the lesson author compared Thomas to Abraham, and maybe I somehow missed the point. If we look at Abrahams whole story he had plenty of times that he didn’t believe, for example, we now have Ishmael and all his descendants. Twice Sarah was his “sister”. The beauty of these two men’s stories is that Abraham BECAME the father of the faithful, Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to declare his belief. These two stories along with the whole of scripture, gives us no excuse to not believe.
I agree with you. Abraham had many tests - some he failed and others he passed. He did pass the final test. Thomas was also a doubter, but he showed great resolve when he said "Let us go and die with Him (Jesus)." I'm not sure I would present one as good and one as bad. We can learn from both and thankfully God was gracious and patient with both, as He is with us.
I am grateful
Question #3
Truth is the word of God. That seems to me what John is trying to pen. Christ is the way the Truth and the Life because He is also God. John very well depicts that fact. We can find that evidence in John 14:6.
John 7:38.