The Reason Behind Faith
When it comes to Christianity, many people assume that it’s a blind leap of faith, a mere wishful thinking without any rational basis. But is that really the case? Let’s take a closer look at the story of Abraham, a man who exemplifies what it means to have faith rooted in reason.
A Well-Reasoned Consideration
In Hebrews 11:19, we’re told that Abraham “reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.” The Greek word “logizomai” translated as “reasoned” implies a careful consideration of the facts, not a blind assumption. Abraham’s faith wasn’t based on wishful thinking, but on a deep understanding of God’s character and promises.
Faith in Everyday Life
We exercise faith in various aspects of our daily lives, often without realizing it. We trust that the chair we sit on will hold our weight, or that our vehicles will take us safely from one place to another. These faith choices aren’t blind; they’re based on the fact that these objects have consistently performed as expected. So, what matters most is the object of our faith. Is it worthy of our trust?
The Object of Our Faith
Abraham’s faith was rooted in God’s proven track record of power and trustworthiness. He had witnessed God’s promises fulfilled time and again, and he knew that God was capable of raising the dead. In the same way, we can have faith in God because of His demonstrated faithfulness, particularly through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A Prayer for Strength
Lord, you have shown yourself faithful and trustworthy. Forgive me for the times I’ve failed to trust you. Build the strength of my faith by allowing me to see and know you more clearly, and give me opportunities to share with others that faith in you is not blind, but reasonable. Amen.
Further Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on Psalm 19:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. These passages remind us of God’s power and faithfulness, and the reasonable basis for our faith.
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