Lord, Give Us Faith!


 MY TREASURE BOX" : PRAY BIBLE PROMISES: ISAIAH (29)
Sunday August 23rd 2020 (12th Sun after Pentecost)
The Prophet Isaiah brings a timely word for us this morning. It tells us to review who we are, and where we have been in our faith, as individuals or as a church, the people of God. As I read it, it sounded like God was telling Israelites to remember who they are if they are going to face their world boldly and effectively. Isaiah said: “Look to the rock from which you were cut, look to Abraham your father and Sarah who bore you.” It is as if he was saying: “Go back to your first moments of faith, don’t forget your first love for God. You who follow after righteousness; You, who wish to be sanctified by God; You, who wish to renew or restore the image of God in you, to become the person whom God intended you to be.” That’s us: the church of Christ. The message is encouraging all believers to review our life journeys, to remember the humble beginnings of our faith, so we may live bold and effective Christian lives, that can face a challenging world using God’s strength. Before a young bird flies out of the nest for the first time, there are many treasure and beautiful things yet to discover… a breathtaking view of their world… after they fly, they begin to discover where their food is abundant and make their home. But they are destined to fly. As a bird you are born to grow wings, you will fly. If you don’t fly, you will die of hunger. God’s message is similar: As a Christian believer without the same faith of your ancestors, you won’t make it, so review, go back to that first love of God, ignite it like a fire, love your God and walk in his ways like never before, return to the original you that God made. Lord give us Faith!

Isaiah used the imagery of a rock. The rock inspires strength, stability which are God’s attributes. I researched more about stones: Some stones are permeable, differ by texture, size, mass, the weight, the strength, and the Bible mentions rocks in many places. I can remember the story of David and Goliath or the Israelites drinking from the rock [which by the way was a sign of Jesus giving them life (1 Cor. 10: 4)]; or the story of the living stone that people rejected, which signify Jesus (1Peter 2: 4); or in Deuteronomy 32: 18: “You deserted the rock, who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.” I detect a danger there of being swept away by the current of world affairs the moment we decide to let go of the rock: Jesus Christ. Hold on to Jesus, so you can face the challenges of this world accordingly. Lord give us Faith!

When we review our life journey, we discover God’s footprints where the strength you had, was because God was with you/ carrying you. Ps.138 says: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me.” God made a promise that his people will not always have moments of tears but at the end, they will harvest joys. Is this what you believe? For you, for all of us? The world around us might despair because of hardships and Financial/ Pandemic crises but you, who knows your God, will understand and trust in God’s promises. We will live by Faith. Lord, Give us Faith!

No wonder Jesus asked: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Who do we say that Jesus is? If you still don’t know who Jesus is, then you don’t know you are destined to fly. Jesus is saying you are born to fly: You are born to live by faith. Simon Peter responded correctly: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” If you believe this, then you are saved (Rom 10:9)! So, “don’t conform to this world”, Paul tells the Romans. The world will try to get you to comply with its line of thoughts but you, who belong to Jesus, will not conform to the world’s ideals, we become dangerous people because we don’t conform. We need to be bold in our faith. We can’t dilute it; we can’t compromise its values. We will live by Faith. Lord, Give us Faith!

Jesus is reassuring us, that you, the church of Christ, will prevail! No amount of disturbances from the evil one will shake you. Jesus is the one who built you. Have faith and know that Your King Jesus, is in control!

In the name of God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!

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