Amazing Faith

Have you ever thought about what it takes to amaze God? After all, he is the creator of all things. God's response to Job in chapters 38-41 (in the book by the same name) is mind-boggling - amazing and incredible - as God describes himself to Job. In chapter 41, somewhat humorously from my perspective, God describes what it's like to have a crocodile as a pet.

So, for this amazing God, what does it take to amaze him?

There are two instances (at least that I've found) in scripture where Jesus (God - The Son) is amazed.

In Mark 6, Jesus was visiting his home town. The chapter begins with "Jesus left there and went to his hometown." Left where? In the preceding chapter, he had healed a demon-possessed man, a sick woman, and had even raised a young girl from death. These were amazing miracles. Now he's visiting home.

The experience starts out well enough. As he taught, the story says that many were amazed. They were impressed with his wisdom and had heard of the many miracles he performed. Yet, the hearing did not translate into faith in Christ. In fact, verse 3 states that "they took offense at him."

In this we find one example of what amazes Jesus:

5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And [Jesus] was amazed at their lack of faith.

What a tragedy! Jesus had just left a nearby area performing unbelievable miracles and seeing lives changed -- eternally. Yet, among those who had watched him grow up, the faith was non-existant. They missed out on the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ.

Another story dealing with amazing faith is found in Luke 7:2-10 (excerpts follow).

2 There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.

6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.

9 When [he] heard this, [Jesus] was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

What a contrast! This man had "heard" of Jesus as well. Yet, his response was one of belief -- one of faith. His faith in Christ was so strong that he knew that Jesus' presence was not necessary -- his word was sufficient.

Our faith is observed by God. Do we have faith? In what or whom do we place our faith? Our lives are a journey of faith. How we live will say volumes about our faith? Some truths about faith to consider:

• It only takes a little to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
• It must be present to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
• It must be demonstrated (James 2:17).

Are you living by faith in Jesus Christ?