The Wonder of Disbelief

The Wonder of Disbelief

And he wondered at their unbelief. Mark 6:6

Skepticism is at a high premium these days. Those who seem to make the most headlines or have the bestsellers or land the professorships are those who boast in their lack on belief, not in their great faith in God. In today’s world, the cynics and doubters get the accolades.

That wasn’t the case with Jesus. He didn’t applaud those who refused to belief. Rather, he shook his head at them.

Jesus’ response to the lack of faith he encountered in Nazareth reveals the conflict of values between God’s Kingdom and the Kingdom of this world:

In God’s Kingdom, faith is normal. In the kingdom of this world, faith is a leap in the dark.
In God’s Kingdom, faith is required. In the kingdom of this world, faith is discouraged.
In God’s Kingdom, the evidence for the supernatural is obvious. In the kingdom of this world, only the tangible and quantifiable are obvious.
In God’s Kingdom, the citizens resemble little children. In the kingdom of this world, the citizens are skeptical and cynical.

When Jesus marveled at disbelief in Nazareth, it wasn’t out of respect. Rather, he was marveling at how shortsighted they were. The very Son of God was standing before them, demonstrating the full power of God’s Spirit, and they still refused to belief.

In the thinking of God, such skepticism isn’t noble, but foolish. Remember what Jesus said to Thomas: Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed, John 20:29.

Fellow Christ-follower, let’s not fall prey to the collective cynicism of this world. Faith pleases God; doubt only tests his patience. We have more reasons to be people of faith than we could ever use up in a lifetime. If Jesus is to marvel at us, let it be for our great faith, not the lack of it.

*There will be no Wake Up Calls December 23-January 3. They will resume Monday, January 6.