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THE BELIEVER’S UNBELIEF (LUKE 1:18-24)

REFLECTION

“The believer’s unbelief” is the theme for our reflection. A believer is a person who believes in the existence of God and lives according to His Word. Unbelief is doubt expressed by a believer concerning the truthfulness of the Word of God or His promises. The aged Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth had been married for many years without a child. Finally, Angel Gabriel appeared to Him to give Zachariah the good news of God’s promise to bless him and his wife with a son who shall be called John (the Baptist) (John 1:11-17) We shall reflect on the fact that God is displeased with a believer’s unbelief.

Dear friend in the Lord, God is displeased with a believer’s unbelief. He expects a believer to have faith in Him and His Word or promises without any doubts. Zachariah was not an ordinary worshipper but a priest who ought to know better in matters of faith, yet he failed to believe the Word of God that came from the Angel Gabriel. “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Luke 1:18-20) Beloved in the Lord, in our covenant relationship with God, we must believe and obey His Word even as He reigns in our lives and provides our needs. Doubt must never have a place in our walk of faith with the Lord. The writer of Hebrews defined faith as “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see… And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:1,6). One thing that displeases Jesus greatly concerning His disciples’ unbelief or lack of faith, no wonder, He said to them, “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” …“how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? (Matthew 17:17). Again, in Mark 4:40 Jesus, admonished them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Also, during Jesus’ encounter with Thomas, He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29) Beloved in the Lord, irrespective of the challenges and conditions in life, one thing that must never change in our relationship with God is believing or having faith in God.

In summary, we have discovered that as people of faith, God is displeased with us when we fail to believe in His Word and promises concerning our lives. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith to believe in the Word of God so that we shall continue to experience the glory of God in our lives. Amen