What Amazes our Father? (Nov 7)

Verses for the day

Luke 7:9 “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” 

Thoughts

I was reading the story of the Centurion’s faith in Luke chapter 7 this morning. And I was struck by Luke 7:9 “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” I am not sure how many places, if any, that it says Jesus was amazed. But, the faith of this Centurion amazed Jesus. Our Father is amazed when His children live in such a way that others see their faith. 
 
But its interesting that the very next section in Luke 7 is the story of John’s disciples coming to Jesus with John’s message, “Are you the Messiah or should we expect another?” I think Jesus response is so beautiful. 
 
Luke 7:22-23 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “The Father blesses those who do not turn away because of me.”
 
The lame walk, lepers are healed, the dead are raised… these are the kinds of things our Father can do! He is also able to thwart the schemes our enemy! He is able to overcome people who oppose Him. He is able to protect His own in all circumstances! We can rest in these truths. We will only find our peace in Him.  “The Father blesses those who do not turn away from Him…” 
 
Ps 144:2-3 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me. O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?

Prayer

O Father, I want to have the kind of faith that amazes you! That even in the midst of circumstances that don’t seem to be fulfilling my picture of what you are supposed to do, Father help me to rest in what I know about you! Peace that passes understanding only comes when I am abiding in you, resting in your hands, confident that you are the one who is in control and working in each circumstance.

You are my loving ally and my fortress. Abiding in you is my tower of safety. You are my shield and in you is where I will find refuge!

I pray for those who read these words that you will grow them in their faith. That they will develop a faith that amazes you. That as they live by faith, their testimony will lead others to you. I pray that they will never be ashamed to be known as your children.