Through the eyes of faith

by

Bible Reading

Mark 5
Job 1
Romans 5

Devotional Thoughts:

What does life look like through eyes of faith compared to human eyes? In Mark 5 I think we see a great example of the contrast between viewing life through eyes of faith versus eyes of the world. Mark 5:1-20 is the story of the healing of the demonic of Garasene. When Jesus steps off the boat, he is confronted by this man who is controlled by a legion of demons. People had tried to bind him with chains and shackles even, but he wrenched them apart. So, Jesus confronted the demons and told them to leave the man. The demons beg Jesus not to send them out of the country, but instead, to let them enter the herd of pigs that was nearby. The demons enter the pigs, and all the pigs run off a cliff and die, all 2000 of them.

The remainder of the story gives the contrast to viewing life through eyes of faith, or through eyes of the world.

  • Mark 5:15-17 The pig farmer’s perspective: they saw the demon possessed man clothed and in his right mind and they were afraid… they went and told the the towns people… they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.
  • Mark 5:19-20 The demonic’s perspective: he begged Jesus that he might stay with him. Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends what the Lord had done… he went away and began to proclaim how much Jesus had done.

It was the same set of circumstances. One gave glory to God and worshipped God, the other coward in fear, and ran away from God (or told God to leave).

Later in Mark 5:24-34 we see another example of this contrast. There was a huge crowd around Jesus, pressing in on him. Probably many bumping into him, and rubbing against his garment. But only one who believed in the power Jesus possessed. Only one touched his garment in faith. Her faith resulted in healing, and worship.

In my Bible Reading today, I also read the first chapter of Job. It was interesting to look at the first chapter of Job from this perspective. Job looked at life through the eyes of faith! While his wife’s conclusion was, “Curse God and die,” Job’s response was, “The Lord gives and takes away, BLESSED be His name!” Job’s response to viewing his circumstances through faith was worship!

The last chapter I read this morning was Romans 5. I almost laughed when I turned to the last section, and saw what it was. Rom 5:3-5 “we rejoice in suffering, knowing what it produces… endurance, character, hope, and a deeper understanding of God’s love.” Viewing the challenges that we face through the eyes of faith (knowing what God is going to produce) produces worship.

But, as I read, I saw Rom 5:1-3 from a new perspective today. We have been justified by faith, so we have peace…. not we need to earn, or work toward… we HAVE peace, because of Jesus. Through Jesus we have access by faith into this grace in which WE STAND. We rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God.

We HAVE peace with God. WE STAND in the grace of God. We rejoice in the HOPE of GOD’S GLORY. The hope, that earnest expectation that no matter what happens to me, God is going to be glorified! It’s like I said yesterday. Yes, Rom 5:3-5 does tell us that God is at work, through difficulties, to build my character and help me to understand His love. But, before that, the peace we will find, should come from the fact, the truth we stand on, that God WILL be glorified.. and that is worth celebrating. That is what will lead to worship!

Declarations

  1. Through faith… everything is for your glory to be seen and worshipped
  2. I have peace… because of Jesus
  3. I stand, surrounded by God’s grace
  4. The circumstances God gives are for his glory.. but will be building character, patience, hope, and ultimately helping me to love God more as I see His faithfulness proven.
  5. He gives and takes away, blessed be His name… may His name be glorified

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