They Refused To Believe

Scripture:

1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They asked, “Where did he get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? 3 He’s just the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went out from village to village, teaching. (Mark 6:1-6 NLT)

“He’s just the carpenter,” they said. How sad that the people in Jesus’ hometown, and even his own brothers and sisters, refused to believe! (They did later, and James became a leader in the church.) They could not look beyond what they had seen naturally, and believe for something supernatural. Unfortunately, this can be so true today in the world we live in; even in the church. People can seemingly believe people they don’t even know, but have a hard time believing that God can use those they know well. Why is that? It is difficult to understand, really.

Lord, I don’t want to refuse to believe when You use people to deliver Your word and Your truths. Help me to see beyond feelings and emotions, and see and hear You when You speak. I love You, and You are my healer. AMEN

Father, may our children and grandchildren see Your glory at work, and may You show us Your approval, and make our efforts successful. Psalm 90

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