Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without
faith it is impossible to please God.” Imagine, then, how it pleased God to
find a young couple full of faith. Joseph responded obediently
to heaven-sent dreams, and Mary responded to an angelic visitor. Though
His message seemed impossible, she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let this
happen as you have said.”
The shepherds were terrified to see angelic messengers. Yet, once the angels were gone, they encouraged one another to put forth the effort to check the message for themselves.
By faith, the wisemen made a long journey, bringing gifts to be presented to the newborn king whose star they kept in sight. When they inquired of Herod, he knew to ask the chief priests and scribes where Christ was to be born. The religious leaders knew the scriptural answer, but put forth no effort to have faith in it.
Simeon and Anna, both devout believers, waited by faith, even into old age, to see the promised Savior and Redeemer.
True faith results in a positive response. There are many examples beyond the Christmas story. In Hebrews Chapter 11, do you see how faith was expressed as Abel offered God the right sacrifice? How about when Noah built an ark, or when Abraham offered Isaac upon the altar, or Moses refused to be called the son of a king’s daughter?
OBEDIENCE
Joseph and Mary, after eight days, took Jesus to be circumcised and named. They also took Him to Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord, along with the required sacrifice. Scripture says, "When Jesus' parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Nazareth."
Do you have faith in God’s word? Do you show it by your actions? That requires a giving of self, putting forth some effort to obey.
As James says, here’s the bottom line: I will show you my faith by my deeds (James 2:18).
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