Believe!

Many years ago, I remember listening to a man on the radio named Paul Harvey.  He had a rather unique way in relating a significant truth in a brief story that would always have you hanging onto every word.  He would then take a break and come back a few minutes later with the "rest of the story."

During an interview one day, when asked about his beliefs and how that shaped his worldview. Paul Harvey responded by saying, "Do not ask me what I believe; watch what I do, that is what I believe."

That statement had a tremendous impact on me over the course of my life.  It brought directly to my mind something James said, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26)  What I do is really what I believe, because it’s my beliefs that drive my behavior.  This is very true among the church today. What we really believe is what we will do.  Jesus talked a bit about this when He discussed obedience in John 14:15 where He tells us, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  

In John chapter 20, we see three different forms of belief in Jesus.  John runs with Peter to the empty tomb, and after seeing the empty tomb and vacant grave clothes the Bible says that John,"…saw and believed."  John saw first hand the tomb and believed based on the evidence.  

Mary's experience was somewhat different.  She lingered at the tomb after the disciples left to go back to the house.  She actually turned and looks at Jesus, but did not recognize Him until He spoke to her by name.  Then out of the emotion of the weekend and especially the moment she responded with belief, “Rabbi!"  She heard her name called and responded with belief that it was Jesus, alive just as He said!  

A bit later Thomas, who missed the first encounter with Jesus, stood face to face with the risen Lord and touched His hands and side, and the Bible says Thomas responded with a confession of Jesus as, "…my Lord and my God."  Thomas chose to respond only after seeing physical proof.

All three of these individuals believed Jesus had risen and was the Christ.  Each one needed a little different nudge to respond.  Jesus knew each one's need and provided exactly what each one needed. The amazing thing is He still does that today!  Jesus is still about custom conversions in today’s world!

Many of you reading this blog will agree that we believe in Jesus.  The question is am I responding to what I believe?  Are you doing the things that allow those around you to see what you believe?  

As Paul Harvey was fond of doing, the rest of the story needs to be told.  You and I have been given the powerful Gospel message to share.  You and I have been placed in a world that desperately needs to hear the message of hope found only in Jesus!  Will those around you see what you believe and ask you about it?  Will you share the rest of the story?

Come now, let's reach the world with the Gospel message and teach the Word that sets us free in Christ!