Hebrews
11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen,” KJV. The New Living
Translation states it thus, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will
actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” We must
follow in faith the revelation of Jesus Christ as revealed in God’s Word.
The
shepherds of Luke 2 were so driven by their experience of the revelation that
they were compelled by their faith to seek out the truth of the angel's
proclamation. Luke 2:15, “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away
from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even
unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us.”
The
wise men of Matthew 2 followed the star by faith to find the Savior. Their
understanding of scriptures and desire to experience the promise compelled them
to seek out the truth of the prophecy. Matt. 2:10, “When they saw the star,
they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11And when they were come into the
house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and
worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto
him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Faith
is essential to our discovery of the promised Messiah! The fact of our need and
desire for faith was impressed upon me recently while listening to traditional
Christmas music. One phrase really stood out to me and it is for that reason
that I want to share my thoughts. The song was “Have yourself a merry little
Christmas” and I have included it here.
“Some
day soon we all will be together
If
the fates allow.
Until
then we'll have to muddle through somehow,
And
have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”
The line that really impressed me was, “if the fates allow,” with particular emphasis on the word “fate.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “fate” as a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand. Synonyms include circumstance, destiny, fortune, kismet, lot, and portion. Faith is essential to our discovery of the promise of Messiah and our salvation! Our search of this revelation must be driven by faith in God’s promise. Our search must be deliberate and in no way influenced by the secular idea of “fate.” (continued)
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