Beech Tree News Network

 It is not uncommon for men to marvel at things. However, the Son of God marveling at something merits our attention. In two places in the New Testament, it says Jesus marveled. One time, Jesus marveled at men’s faith. In Matthew 8:5-10, we read, “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

    One time Jesus marveled at men’s unbelief. In Mark 6:1-6 we read, “And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus … marvelled because of their unbelief...”

    Friends, as Jesus looks at us, does He marvel at our belief, or our unbelief? Think about it! Faith is produced through hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, our belief is determined by what we do after we hear God’s word preached. Do we accept it, or reject it? Do we believe what has been taught, or do we say, “That is an opinion”? Do we respect the man who stands before us and preaches the Truth, or are we constantly wanting our “ears tickled” rather than the truth preached (II Tim. 4:2-4)? When you read this article, do you cast it aside, and think that there is nothing of merit in this work, or do you sincerely read this and read the passages with the intention of learning what the Bible says (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11)? Our answers will let us see very quickly whether or not Jesus marvels at our belief or our unbelief.

    Do we believe Jesus’ words when He says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16)? Do we believe the words of Paul who said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16)? Do we believe the Bible when it teaches there is only one true church (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 16:16)? Friends, the truth of God’s word must be believed and obeyed! When you leave this world, it will be too late to make your life right. We only have now. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Cor. 6:2). Why will Jesus marvel at you?

 -- Jarrod Jacobs preaches with the Caneyville church of Christ in Caneyville, KY. He can be reached at (270) 589-4167.