Faith Humbles

And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. Mark 6:5-6

As Jesus was preaching, teaching, and healing, he came to his hometown. They questioned his validity, and refused Him. He marveled at their lack of faith.

Immediately following this story, the Bible gives a picture of the opposite end of the spectrum. Later in the chapter, Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs to teach, preach, and heal. Notice his instructions for the mission.

He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. Mark 6:8,9

Jesus implied to put all their trust, their faith in God. Take no food, no luggage, no money, and no change of clothes. Take nothing, just complete faith. The result?

And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. Mark 6:13

God does work through those who have faith in Him.

Not that God can not work through anyone to make His plans come to fruition, but, as in the story above, the Bible is clear that God works through faith-filled people.

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20.

Before he passed away, my dad and I used to talk about faith. Genesis 1:1, blew his mind. Me, too. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Adrian Rogers used to say that if you can get past this verse, you have the rest of the Bible licked.

Our discussions would normally lead us to Hebrews 11, called “the faith hall of fame.” A week after he passed, I went for a long jog through the woods, and found a crumbled piece of paper with these words on it.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

The framed piece of paper sits on my desk today. This verse says that you don’t please God without faith. It is impossible. I wonder how many times I go through life without faith making it impossible to please my Father?

Continue reading in Hebrews 11, and some of the greatest people of Bible are listed. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, etc., but the emphasis is not on the individual. The emphasis in on their faith, as each description of the person begins with “by faith.” The implication is that without faith, none of the works would have happened.

But faith can easily be twisted into a works based, legalistic religion. For example, people may try to out-perform one another through their work, showing “great faith.” Or, out teach another. Or, have the deepest knowledge of the Bible. Maybe, long, dramatic prayers in public to show great faith. Or, Bible reading each morning to check the box. Or, giving. Give the most with the motive of proving your faith. All of the above can be great works of faith, done with the right motive, the right heart.

The right heart is driven by the recognition that faith is a free gift of God. Faith is given, completely free. It isn’t earned by anything we do.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Think about the calling of the first disciples, for example, Matthew and Peter. Jesus chose each individual, walk up them, and said “follow me.” They followed. Matthew was a tax collector, no doubt had plenty of money, and followed. Peter was a fisherman. He left his job to follow. They were given faith to follow.

Faith is mysterious. Faith is given as a free gift, and, it is through this faith that God does amazing works. And, with faith, dangers exist on both ends of the spectrum. Is my life void of any great works? Then, I have a right to question my faith. Am I comparing my great works to others? Then, I have a to question my heart.

There is no such thing as arrogant faith.

Faith should humble. The thought that a holy God would give one the free gift of faith should compel one to work for Him, to serve.

Humility in the heart, humbled by a holy God, ignites faith.

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