In response to Lou Jenson’s question “Is this a god to be respected?”
In Apostle John’s account of Lazarus’ death, John isolates two words, “Jesus wept.” Moved, observers said, “See how he loved him!”
Because of Jesus’ love, and his delivery on his bold claim that he was the resurrection and the life, Lazarus was brought back from the dead.
Observers could be divided into two groups: those who believed, and those who complained to the Pharisees, the religious rulers of the day. What was the reaction of the Pharisees? They wanted to kill Jesus. Why? Was it because he demonstrated “some human characteristics usually not to be admired”?
Jesus was not demonstrating “human characteristics.” Conversely, Jesus was a man who demonstrated God-signs! It is what got him in trouble.
Witness the Pharisees’ seething protest: “What should we do? This man is working a lot of miracles. If we don’t stop him now, everyone will put their faith in him…”
Not much has changed in over 2,000 years. It’s the same thing that gets Jesus in trouble today. He claims to be God.
Many of us do not want a God who seeks to rein in our cynical, “happily-free-of-superstition” lifestyles. Therefore, we create a god according to our imagination. We offer up an “acceptable” form of piety. We relegate God’s true revelation (Scripture) to that of “fairy tale,” best left to “once upon a time,” not relevant to a “progressive” culture like ours. In misrepresenting the Story, faith becomes no more than “a powerful placebo” for those willing to be “indoctrinated.” God becomes no more than an “imaginary friend.”
Faith in God is no placebo. It is an intentional act of free will—to believe; to accept what God promises. Faith, as defined in the book of Hebrews, is the substance of things hoped for.
Consider Thomas the Apostle, who struggled in his faith; after all, Jesus “made amazing claims that didn’t seem real” . . . like Calvary’s Cross won’t be the end. Thomas’ faith could not perceive what was not revealed to his senses.
Eight days later, when Jesus appeared to Thomas, Jesus extended his hand and Thomas’ trembling finger traced its way to the substance of things hoped for; to the physical evidence exhibited in the bruised, recessed tissues, in the outstretched palm of Jesus’ hand. Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Faith validated!
Jesus responded, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
“Belief doesn’t make something true?” I suggest you ask Thomas, who struggled with his faith like mos of us struggle with ours. Ask Lazarus, or his sisters: Mary, Martha, and countless others, who bear witness to the signs that shout out, “Surely this is the Son of God!”
Yes, “Ask the hard questions.”
As for me and my house, this is a God who is not only worthy of my respect, but of my devotion.
Garry Gamble
Grand Marais
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