“Abraham believed God” (vs. 3). Of all the things the Bible says about the patriarch of the Christian Faith, the greatest is that he “believed God.” The Jews aligned themselves with Moses and the Law, even though they had enormous respect for Abraham. Christians align themselves with Abraham even though they have enormous respect for Moses. We need both of these men of God but it is Abraham the New Testament turns to, to reveal the heart of God, and God’s longing for in His people.
Years ago I read a story by Charles F. Kettering. He said,
When I was research head of General Motors and wanted a problem solved, I’d place a table outside the meeting room with a sign: Leave slide rules here. If I didn’t do that, I’d find someone reaching for his slide rule. Then he’d be on his feet saying, “Boss, you can’t do it.” (Bits and Pieces, December 1991, p. 24).
I think Kettering gives us an insight into why God wants in His people, an attitude of faith. We need to dream, explore and imagine. Robert Browning wrote, “Ah, a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?” The age of the so called, Enlightenment, elevated the ways of the slide rule to a place of superiority. God calls Faith to the place of superiority. In fact, if there is no faith, no one will ever see the need for a slide rule. Perhaps, Augustine was correct when he said, “Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand.”
Works and understanding will never draw us near the Father. Make no mistake about it, though, we need works and understanding. The greatest need of the human heart, however, is a relationship with the Living God. When that relationship is healthy, the rest will follow. Too often we put the rest before the Faith, and we wander, unfilled. When Faith is at work, God is free to work the works of forgiveness and renewal and hope into the human heart.
Martin Luther said, “God our Father has made all things depend on faith so that whoever has faith will have everything, and whoever does not have faith will have nothing.” This axiom will not be embraced by many people, but it is front and center in the life of people who have come to abundant life in Christ Jesus.
What will you and I cling to on the day of our death, our slide rule or our faith? Can we sing together,
In the morning, when I rise…
and when I am alone…
and when I come to die…
Give me Jesus…
You can have all this world…
but give me Jesus.
-C.S. Brown, Give Me Jesus lyrics
© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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