Over the past four posts I’ve zoomed in on four biblical stories – two about women, two about men; two from the New Testament and two from the Old. My original thought was to illustrate the uniqueness of God’s love for people – how each encounter unfolds around the specific needs of the protagonist. God cured the woman of her twelve-year long hemorrhaging disease (Mark 5:21-34) even though she was too afraid to ask. The centurion (Luke 7:1-10) didn’t want to trespass on Jesus’ Jewish sensibilities but knew Jesus could deliver. At first, Ruth (Ruth) embraced Naomi’s God merely out of love for her mother-in-law. Gideon (Judges 6-7) had lost faith in Israel’s God until the Lord gave him signs as proof.
Now I’d like to look at what these stories have in common. As different as these four individuals are, they all have to address what they think God can do. Johanna and Quintus – my names for the two from the New Testament – have recently seen evidence of Jesus’ ability to perform miracle cures and that has convinced them of His capability. What remains to be seen for each of them is whether Jesus will heal in his/her case.
Ruth and Gideon are less familiar with God’s works. Ruth only knows the Lord through Naomi, while Gideon’s faith has soured under enemy occupation of his homeland. Ruth comes to trust through her love for Naomi and by experiencing the protection and opportunity that Israel’s Law provides. On the other hand, although Gideon calls into question the legacy of God’s past wonders, the Lord provides him with new miracles – signs that give him the confidence to do God’s bidding.
What these stories share is the notion that our faith in God begins with a kind of proof that is tailor-made for our situation. God must reach out to us first with evidence that means something to us uniquely. Johanna knows she only needs to touch Jesus’ robe. Quintus knows that Jesus’ doesn’t need to come in person to heal his servant. Ruth knows that if she sticks with Naomi, she’ll flourish. Gideon knows he needs “signs” to kindle his faith and God grants him several.
God wants us to experience our faith as a “sure” thing. But it’s complicated. The path to faith for each of us is as unique as we are. But that’s the way God wants it! The Lord wants followers who are sons and daughters – not grandchildren, related by someone else’s belief.
So God connects with us in a way that is meaningful for us alone. As Jeremiah’s words from God assure us:
“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree (Jeremiah 29:13 The Message).
That begins our journey. But that doesn’t mean it’s a clear or straight path. God initiates the relationship reaching out to us but, as in all relationships, we need to reach back – keeping in contact, staying current – to make the relationship work. When we do, the Lord brings us even more certainty of God’s faithfulness.
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