Applying Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, 

the conviction of things not seen. 

(Heb 11:1)

By Stephen W. Hiemstra

In the parables examined, we begin to see the nature of God’s faithfulness and truth. The fifth characteristic of God in Exodus 34:6 is faithful, also translated as truthful. Often as not in the scriptures, the faithfulness and truthfulness of God is assumed, not described.

Parables of Truth and Faithfulness

The divine image of God lends stability to our lives that cannot be obtained any other way. In the Parable of the Two Builders, God is the rock on which our foundations are made secure. The rock of our salvation is a metaphor both for a disciplined lifestyle and for scientific study. Without that rock neither fruit of such stability is possible.

In the Parable of the Callous Judge, we are advised to study the wisdom of the world. Knowledge of the world is part of God’s truth. Paying attention to the principal agent problem, recognizing what motivates even evil people, may offend our sensibilities, but should be neglected as we faithfully attend to our role as stewards of our time and resources.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector reminds us that God is both transcendent (the object of our prayers) and immanent (able to hear our prayers). Even though God is beyond our comprehension, he loves us enough to always remain available. Whether we are faithful or naughty, we remain through faith part of God’s family.

The Parable of the Physician takes the form of a proverb and simple describes the role of a doctor in healing the sick. It is a brilliant statement of the obvious: Simple proverb; profound truth. Yet, doctors more often attend to the whims of the rich than to illnesses of those poor and sick. Furthermore, Jesus uses this proverb allegorically to describe his role as a rabbi and medical missionary.

Here we see Jesus highlighting the principal agent problem that afflicts religious leaders. Like the physician that serves as a personal doctor of the wealthy, religious leaders often spend more time with paying customers than with those in need of their care. This problem likely describes Jesus’ impatience and distain for religion leaders. The Parable of the Physician is accordingly one of Jesus’s more poignant parables and, because of its brevity, one of the most neglected among commentators.

Problem of Truth

More than other attributes of God described in Exodus 34:6, examples of parables directed specifically at truthfulness and faithfulness are hard to find. More often we observe lessons about truth and faith from the context and structure of the parables. Pilate’s question—What is Truth?—is not simply a throw-away comment (John 18:38). When we say that God is truth, we recognize the enigma at the heart of the concept.

Applying Faith
Also see:
The Face of God in the Parables
The Who Question
Preface to a Life in Tension
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Author site: http://www.StephenWHiemstra.net
Publisher site: http://www.T2Pneuma.com




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