"For
unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached
did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." (Hebrews
4:2).
The Old Testament chronicles for us
several inspiring miracles that God demonstrated amongst the children of Israel
in the wilderness, but, for forty years, they wandered in the wilderness until
a whole generation perished. Hebrews 4:2 tells us what happened:
"…but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in
them that heard it." Though they heard the Word of God and experienced
astounding miracles, they refused to be influenced, moved or guided by it. They
questioned the veracity of the Word of God and it failed to produce results in
their lives.
Luke 5 tells us the story of Peter, a professional fisherman, who
after an unsuccessful fishing trip gave his boat to serve as a pulpit for Jesus
to teach the thronging crowd. When Jesus finished teaching, He told Peter to
throw out his nets again for a haul. I want you to notice Peter’s response:
"...Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:
nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5). Even
though Jesus’ instruction was contrary to his years of experience as a
fisherman, his language depicted that he recognized the potency and efficacy of
the Word. Notice his response again: "…Nevertheless at thy word…."
The result of Peter’s faith was a
huge haul of fish, straining the net beyond its capacity, so much so he had to
call out to his co-fishermen for help (Luke 5:6-7). Those fishes that
came forth and navigated to Simon’s net were from the Word of the Master. The
Word is trustworthy and dependable. In Luke 21:33, Jesus said
"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."
God’s Word is absolute reality, and
you can stake your life on it. Let it motivate you to action today. Never
question or negotiate God’s Word, believe it simply and act on it.
Further Study:
Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:1-2
Andy Agim
Christ Realities
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