THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28

Introduction

From our previous discussion on the theme, "Oh! you of little faith", we came to the understanding that faith grows as we bond tightly with Christ Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith". In this message, God is revealing the rewards we stand to receive if we grow our faith in Him.

The Christian faith has a remarkable testimony of shaping our lives, providing us with strength, resilience, and a sense of purpose. As the Hebrew writer puts it, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." At its core, faith is the belief in something unseen or unknown. It's that feeling deep inside that makes us trust in the possibilities and have hope in what lies ahead.

The reality is that great faith goes beyond mere belief. It embodies a deep sense of conviction and confidence in the unseen. It is the unwavering trust in Jesus, the Christ, that with Him, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27). Great faith which rewards is characterized by resilience, determination, and unwavering optimism. 

The Canaanite Woman's Faith

Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman really puts great faith into a consumable perspective for us. Canaanites are considered as Gentiles and in fact, outcasts. 

At the ill health of her daughter, she begged Jesus, Son of David to heal her. This is actually a step of faith, calling on Christ for healing. Jesus decided to ignore her plea even when the disciples had spoken on her behalf.

Jesus' statement, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” Matthew 15:26, I believe was enough to discourage this woman from holding her faith in Him further. Meanwhile, the woman demonstrated resilience, determination, and unwavering optimism in her stand. Her point was, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27.  This is to say, I have great faith in you and that nothing is impossible with you so please, I am not backing out.

She received her reward for her daughter being healed when Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” Matthew 15:28. Great faith indeed rewards.

Let us look learn something from Joseph's experience. He had seen in dreams how God was going to make him great and even superior to his entire family. He kept this faith amidst the pit, and prison periods but still kept the faith of being what God had said about him. This is great faith.

Beloved in Christ, our God has given us enough view of our destination in eternity. He has given us so many assurances - prophesies, dreams, visions, etc. of succeeding in this life. But He has taken one thing away from us, and that is the road map to this beautiful destination. The road map is the step-by-step way to reach His purpose.

Consider Joseph, he had dreams of his greatness but the process which was full of hatred, enmity, false accusation, prison, denial, pain, and suffering was kept away from him.

God has only kept your plan of reaching the greatness set before you for the basic reason that, you do not get scared away. Within that, you will fully grow and sustain a great faith in Him to reward you.

Joseph said to his brothers "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:5. With great faith, God reveals His purpose of the tough processes, thorny path, and the narrow door that He takes us through. Yet, we have examples of people's life to learn from. The hymnist writes, 

1. Faith of our fathers, living still,

In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;

Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy

Whene’er we hear that glorious word

Overcoming with Great Faith in Christ

- Embrace a positive mindset in the face of Challenges.

Great faith shines bright when faced with adversities in life. Understand that, God is able to turn every situation for our own good, therefore, be positive to expect positive. Joseph says, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" Genesis 50:20. It is great faith that allows us to approach challenges in life with a positive mindset at every given time. With great faith, we can find the hand of God even in the darkest moments of our life, turning obstacles into stepping stones towards success.

- Develop Resilience and Perseverance

Brethren, resilience, and perseverance are the backbone of great faith. They always help us to bounce back from failure, setbacks, and disappointments. The Canaanite woman was rewarded because of her resilience and perseverance.

Do not allow anything to take you from your faith in Jesus Christ. Financial challenges, marital problems, health issues, employment crises, family, and friends may rise before us, but our great faith in Christ must never be broken. "Who [what] shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" Romans 8:35.

With great faith, we are able to bounce back from failure, setbacks, and all disappointments. With great faith, we rise from the ashes, stronger and more determined than ever before. It is through these challenges that we discover our true potential and the rewards that await us.

Note that, God never rejects or pushes us away from His awesome presence. Paul says, "I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! ... God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew." Romans 11:1,2. If God has not rejected us, then our great faith in Him will surely reward us.

Assess your life now, if you feel rejected, distant, and all alone, Jesus is calling you that He has not rejected you so rise up and come to Him, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." Romans 11:29

If you have never accepted Christ into your life and you wish to grow your great faith in Him, say a prayer inviting Him into your life right now. Believe in Him and you shall be saved.

Conclusion

Great faith in Christ Jesus rewards us as we develop a positive mindset and build resilience and determination. Always have it in mind; Serendipity in the face of adversities - what was interned to destroy you will turn for your own good.

Shalom aleichem...