Exodus 14:31
“When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.”
The people believed because they saw. Does this contradict the New Testament charge to believe before seeing? There are several instances in scripture where Jesus tells His audience to believe before they see. Doubting Thomas is a story (John 20:27-29). “Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
While Jesus tells him he should have believed him before seeing, Thomas had three years of seeing Jesus do amazing things. He had plenty of evidence to trust in Jesus’ words. He doesn’t ask us to step out blindly. I can manuver the stairs in my house at night without lights. I have faith where the steps are. Yes, I’m stepping out into darkness, but it’s an informed step. Thomas should have believed. He saw Jesus do plenty of miracles. It was an easy step. He has given us much to trust in. There is enough for a reasonable person to believe.
While Jesus tells him he should have believed him before seeing, Thomas had three years of seeing Jesus do amazing things. He had plenty of evidence to trust in Jesus’ words. He doesn’t ask us to step out blindly. I can manuver the stairs in my house at night without lights. I have faith where the steps are. Yes, I’m stepping out into darkness, but it’s an informed step. Thomas should have believed. He saw Jesus do plenty of miracles. It was an easy step. He has given us much to trust in. There is enough for a reasonable person to believe.
The bible is given to us to provide a basis of our faith. It is a miracle in itself. A collection of 66 books with amazing unity. It was penned over hundreds of years by different people from different countries. It also contains prophecy that was delivered and fulfulled. It also contains historical events and personalities whose stories aren’t disputed. The apostle Paul is one. Jesus is the biggest.
He knows our nature. He knows we need a basis for faith. While our assurance won’t be as dramatic as parting the Red Sea, He will give us enough. What’s exciting is that He’ll come through. This provides more confidence for future events.
Lord, thank You that You give us enough for faith.