Miracle on "Thirty-Faith" Street

One of the classic Christmas movies is “Miracle on 34th Street,” and a famous quote from that movie goes like this: “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”  

Since it’s Christmas, let’s talk about that. Lots of times faith is described that way, as though an idea might be totally ridiculous, yet someone might still believe it by faith. But (if you don’t mind a critique of an iconic film) that’s really just a pop-culture explanation that actually does faith a disservice. The Bible view of faith is much different.

In reality, faith is related to evidence. What do you do when limited information demands an explanation? You make a decision based on what you believe is true. You’re sitting on a chair, and most likely you have no idea who made it or what the materials are. But it came from a furniture store, so it makes sense to sit on it and expect it to hold you.

That’s a bit like faith. You don’t have a complete set of facts about the chair, but you interpret the situation based on your faith in the furniture store. Now expand that view: Bible faith is effective not because it’s crazy but because it has great explanatory power. It’s a cohesive way to explain the world based on what God says about it.

For example, the resurrection of Jesus demands faith.  Now, maybe you don’t believe it; but those who deny the resurrection must explain a whole set of facts some other way: Jesus’s definite death, the empty tomb, and the complete transformation of 1st century believers. Faith is not the opposite of common sense; it’s the missing piece that cohesively explains the facts we know.  It’s “the evidence of things not seen,” wrote one 1st century Christian (Hebrews 11:1).

The miracle of Christmas is not a department store Santa who convinces other people to abandon common sense and believe he’s real (like in that classic movie). The miracle of Christmas is a God who came to earth, sharing our humanity and suffering in order to rescue us from sorrow, selfishness, and sin.

Christmas faith receives God’s message of hope and sings out, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come!”

GOD IS ABLE - 31. Final thoughts

~ He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. -1 Timothy 6:15-16

For some final thoughts about our "God is able" theme, this passage must be included. The word for "Potentate" is not quite the same as those we have considered, yet it is closely related. And it's a great word. Think of a potent medication that accomplishes everything the doctor wants, or a potent cleaning solution that obliterates what must be removed.

Now give that kind of power to a person. Such a ruler is completely sovereign (which is another word some Bible translations use here). Twice in the New Testament this word is used for the rulers of nations; but here, God alone is the sovereign Potentate.

This "God is able" series has focused on three forms of the New Testament word that means "capable" or "powerful." There are three other forms we have passed over because they don't quite fit that phrase. Yet they are also very encouraging.

   - One form of the word refers to acts of power themselves. It is used dozens of times to indicate the miracles Jesus did—His calling cards to give evidence that He was from God.

   - Another form is the action of empowering others, and God does this for His followers too. For example, He strengthens (or enables) believers by providing His own power to them (Colossians 1:11).

   - A third form is the noun in today's verse: the Potentate, the Able One.

Everything connected with the God of the Bible is marked with that same kind of power. The Bible itself is able to save our souls (2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:21), and the methods God gives us for doing His work are mighty and able (2 Corinthians 10:4).

As a final closing scene, consider this event from the Old Testament (in 2 Chronicles 25:6-9.). A king named Amaziah believed he needed some help in battle, so he paid a dear sum of money to hire 100,000 mercenaries. But a prophet warned him: "The Lord is not with those soldiers. Send them back." And Amaziah asked, "But what about all the money I've already spent?" The prophet replied, "The Lord is able to give you much more than this."

That's what we need to remember. Perhaps we've left God's path and invested our resources in many seemingly sensible things so we can get ahead. But the Lord says, "Where are your priorities? Have you left Me out?" This is a good moment to realize that nothing we leave behind can be equivalent to God Himself. God wants us to walk next to Him, and He promises to prove every single day that He is able.

GOD IS ABLE - 30. Preventing stumbling

~ Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling... be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. -Jude 1:24-25

We have reached the last "God is able" phrase in the New Testament, and it's a beautiful conclusion. Through these phrases God's great power has been on display. He is able to forgive sins; He is able to help; He is able to bless and sympathize and save. But on a daily basis, maybe the danger we face most often is stumbling.

Stumbling sounds like only a misstep, but it represents interrupted progress. Stumbling feet can fall, and stumbling faith can waver. Even a little bump in the road can cause us to stumble, and on any given day there are a thousand little things that might trip us up. Another Bible text says, "In many things we all stumble" or cause an offense (James 3:2).

But when someone keeps us from falling, it's warm and personal. If we're stumbling, we don't need someone to shout "Be careful!" from a distance. We need someone to reach for us, touch us, grasp our arms, and hold us up. Kindness, friendship, and strength are on full display. And with that same warm-hearted kindness and power, God guards His followers as we walk from where we are to where He wants us to be.

Today's quote is really only an excerpt. The full passage adds that God our Savior is able to "present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." This means that His interest in us is persistent! He will never stop working to keep us steady on our spiritual feet until finally we are in His presence and no longer need to be steadied.

No wonder the passage ends with a declaration of God's glory and strength! He is able to hold us up as we walk through a world filled with bumpy roads. Because He is able, we sing His praises both now and forever. Amen.

________________

P.S. This is officially the last passage in this 30-day series, and it's really been nice to read and consider these thoughts as a group. Tomorrow we'll have some final comments and one more bonus verse.

GOD IS ABLE - 29. The Lawgiver

~ There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? -James 4:12

The first-century Christians who received this letter from James had a lot of trouble with envy and infighting. Evidently they often spoke badly of each other, accusing others of wrongdoing just because they saw things differently (verse 11).

So James asks them, "Do you think you are the authority? We already have a law and a Lawgiver, you know!" As the Lawgiver, God is able to save and destroy—to rescue the falsely accused and to condemn the guilty. This is an important principle to remember from several perspectives.

From one side, some of us tend to have a very narrow view of what's right. We come to well-reasoned conclusions, but we forget that other conclusions might be equally valid. If you are in this category, remember that God is capable of teaching His people right and wrong all by Himself.

From another side, others of us tend to believe that historically fixed principles of Bible teaching (the concepts of "orthodoxy") are relics of the past. We know the value of grace, but we forget that truth matters as well. If you are in this category, remember that God is indeed a Lawgiver, not merely a "Good Suggestion-er."

For all of us, we must remember that the question "Who are you to judge?" does not negate statements of right and wrong. As mentioned previously (see #18 in this series), that would be silly because then James couldn't even correct them for being judgmental. Should you judge liars and pedophiles and scammers? Of course! Should you point out the pitfalls of self-confidence or pride or sensuality? Yes, because that's part of caring about one another.

Moreover, we should notice that this judging question is always about other people. It warns us not to judge another; it doesn't permit us to say, "Who are you to judge me?” We should avoid being defensive. We must accept criticism and discussion because that's how we evaluate, clarify, and become mature in our own viewpoints.

But in general, we do often try to take God's role away from Him. This passage reminds us that when God has not corrected one of His followers with a specific Bible verse, we should consider the situation carefully before taking the task of correction upon ourselves.

GOD IS ABLE - 28. Raising him up

~ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac... concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. -Hebrews 11:17, 19

Earlier in this series (#15) we considered the birth of Abraham's son Isaac, when Abraham trusted God's promises. But this text is even more dramatic. Isaac was indeed born, and he brought great delight to his parents. God knew how deeply they loved him, so it must have been terribly shocking when God asked Abraham to offer Isaac to Him as a sacrifice.

Yet according to Genesis chapter 22, Abraham immediately prepared to do so. Only at the last moment, as Abraham raised the knife to slay his son, did God's angel tell him to stop. God declared that Abraham's obedience had proven his faith, for he had not kept back even his son when God had asked.

Some have claimed that this scene is very sadistic—that God was playing with Abraham the way a child plays with a puppet just to see it squirm or dance. But our passage today proves that Abraham didn't think that way at all. Instead, he simply trusted God's promises once again (see verses 17-18).

In those promises God had declared that Abraham's family would become great through the children of Isaac. According to this text, Abraham reasoned that even if Isaac died God was able to raise him back to life. What's amazing is that, at this time in Bible history, God had never done that before, not even once! Yet Abraham believed it anyway.

On one hand, nothing was so precious to Abraham that God couldn't have it. On the other hand, Abraham had every confidence that God could give Isaac back.

Sometimes God surveys our landscape to see if there is something so precious that perhaps we love it more than we love Him. He will never touch it just to see us squirm; but He might touch it to help us clarify our priorities. Yet we can join Abraham in believing that God is able to return every blessing which He might seem to take away. He never forgets us, and He never forgets His promises.

GOD IS ABLE - 27. Reaching far

~ He (Jesus) is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. -Hebrews 7:25

In many situations we ask things like, "How bad is it?" We ask the auto mechanic how badly the muffler is rusted, or we want the plumber to tell us how much it will cost to fix the leak. We hold onto our wallets and hope things are not so far gone that they can't be fixed.

In spiritual matters we might ask the same question. How far has the decay of sin advanced in someone's life? Selfishness, pride, and rebellion are bad enough; yet they can cause immoral, criminal, or self-destructive behaviors.  All sorts of painful despair might develop from that kind of trouble.

But even if the outward situation doesn't look so bad, the inward life is often stormy or restless.  We might drape some bright wallpaper over a hole in the wall, but we can't ignore the reality when someone pokes that hole and asks, "How bad is it?"

This illustrates the theological term of "depravity." It's not that we are all as bad as we can be.  After all, we're not all axe murderers.  But, left to ourselves, we are all as bad off as we can be.  On our own, we have ended up far from God; and even when we are brought near to Him, we often choose our own way instead of His. Outwardly or inwardly, we often despair.

But Jesus, the great High Priest (see the post from two days ago), is able to save "to the uttermost."  This is a comprehensive term! Fifteen different New Testament words use the "all" prefix to mean things like "at all times" or "from every place." This phrase, "to the uttermost," means something like "unto all completeness."  Nothing is left out.

Therefore, we are never too far gone for Jesus. We can always come to God through Him. He is always ready to entreat God on our behalf; and because He always lives, we are never too late. Things might seem very bleak, whether outwardly or inwardly, but His assessment is always one of hope and relief.

GOD IS ABLE - 26. He was heard

~ He (Jesus) had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear. -Hebrews 5:7

This passage brings our thoughts to the garden where Jesus prayed on the night before His death, a scene we have visited before (see #10 in this series). In this text the emphasis is on three points.

First there is the depth of anguish that rolled over Jesus as He prayed in that garden. The gospel writers had told us of His emotional sorrow, but now the writer of Hebrews lets us hear the sound of His vehement crying. It is a grief almost too great to look upon, even in our minds' eye.

Second, His cries were raised to the one who was able to save Him from death. "Father! Let this cup of suffering pass from Me!" He had called. To die as a stand-in for sinners... we can scarcely understand how terrible that contemplation was for Him, the Holy One who knew no sin.

But the text says that God heard Him! If we were watching the scene unfold in real time, we would say, "Of course God heard Him! Jesus is the perfect Son of God." But then we would be puzzled as the Lord left the garden and went to the cross.

The next verse explains it: "Though a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things He suffered" (verse 8). God was able to save Him; Jesus was heard when He prayed; and yet He suffered. This third point reveals that His suffering not only did something for us, but also—if we can say it reverently—it did something for Him as that perfect Man.

He learned obedience by suffering. Notice how carefully it's worded! He did not have to "learn to obey" as we do by being corrected when we are disobedient. Yet He did learn obedience, meaning this: In the eternal past, the one God as Father, Son, and Spirit had complete equality. But on earth, by submitting Himself to the will of the Father, Jesus experienced obedience; and what’s more, He did so through suffering. This simply deepens the glory of His lovely character.

But then we must say it for ourselves: Although God hears our prayers, and although He is able, He does not always answer with a yes.  He sometimes answers by saying that suffering will add to the lovely character He wants to develop in us.

GOD IS ABLE - 25. Sympathizing with weakness

~ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. -Hebrews 4:15

This "God is able" statement comes via a double negative. We can say that we do have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses! But now we need to understand who this High Priest is.

The idea of a high priest was full of meaning for the first readers of this New Testament passage. Among all the people of Israel, some were the priests; and among all the priests, one man would serve as the high priest. Only he could enter the holiest place of God's temple with special sacrifices. He represented the people before God, and he showed God's compassion to the people.

But in this New Testament letter to Israeli Christians, the writer calls Jesus "our great High Priest" (4:14). Right now in heaven He sympathizes with the weaknesses of every Christian. It's beautiful that He did not die on the cross, rise to life, return to heaven, and then forget all about us! As the High Priest, His work continues every day to help His followers through life.

As we saw yesterday, Jesus was tempted just as we are. Today's verse adds that He never sinned in those temptations. There was nothing in His perfect character that could even respond to the devil's temptations (see John 14:30). That's why He could be our Rescuer. If we are drowning, we don't need another drowning person next to us; we need someone on solid footing reaching out to help us.  That's the perfection of Jesus.

But the sympathy of Jesus means that He totally understands our weaknesses in temptation. He lived a human life. He felt sad, hungry, weary, lonely, and all the other experiences that make us feel weak and sorrowful. He came alongside us and wore our frailty, and now He remains sympathetically accessible in heaven.

That's why the very next verse says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Our cry for His help will transport us to that heavenly throne of grace. On that throne sits Jesus the Lord, and He loves to give tender, timely mercy and grace. He knows how you feel, and He is able to help.

GOD IS ABLE - 24. When we are tempted

~ For in that He (Jesus) Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. -Hebrews 2:18

One of the glorious things about the Bible view of life is the claim that God Himself has come into our world. It's true that other religious views have made similar claims, but there is a great difference in the Bible view. The difference is one of both dignity and humility.

For example, in many Greek stories their gods and goddesses often interacted with people. But they did so out of jealousy, rage, or lust, not dignity. Zeus seduces beautiful women; Dionysus hosts orgies. The God of the Bible does not entertain Himself or satisfy His urges by playing with His human toys. He is dignified and majestic.

Jesus is presented this way in Hebrews chapter 1. As God Himself, He has more glory than every angel in heaven. When He entered this world at Christmas, the angels worshiped Him. His glory, His throne, and His justice surpass every measure of greatness.

But Hebrews chapter 2 brings in the second difference in the Bible view: His humility. Jesus became a little lower than the angels so He could experience suffering and death. The one crowned with glory was once crowned with thorns; the one worshiped by angels was once jeered by humans.

The God of the Bible does not declare lofty platitudes about how to endure suffering; instead, He came to meet us in our suffering. While remaining God, Jesus became truly human, taking on a body of flesh and blood. Because He was made like us, He is merciful and faithful. Our verse today says He even suffered by being tempted, and therefore He is able to help His followers when we are tempted.

We usually don't suffer temptation—we just give in! But He never yielded (more on this tomorrow). Do you feel like cursing to satisfy your anger, stealing to satisfy your desires, or seeking attention to satisfy your pride? Jesus is able to come to your aid so that you do not.  Look today for the help He wants to give.

GOD IS ABLE - 23. Guarding the deposit

~ I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. -2 Timothy 1:12

In the chronology of the New Testament, Paul's second letter to his friend Timothy is the last he ever wrote. Timothy was doing Christian work in the city of Ephesus, but it was not easy. Just as Paul had anticipated (see #14 in this series), a variety of struggles had developed among the Christians there, and Paul's first letter reveals those troubles.

But now Paul just wants to send some thoughtful words to Timothy himself. He tells him, "I remember your faith. I know about your tears. God can replace fear with confidence" (1:3-6).

Can Timothy still believe that when Paul is held captive in a Roman prison? Paul adds, "Don't be ashamed of God's testimony nor of me, God's prisoner." And that leads into today's passage as Paul continues, "I am not ashamed, because I know the One whom I have trusted.  He is able."

We might have said, "I am not ashamed because I think I have done my best." But Paul's confidence rests entirely on the Lord, and he gives two reasons why. First, the Lord is able to guard what Paul had committed to Him. This term describes the idea of depositing valuables with a trustworthy friend or a reliable temple official—a common practice in a time long before modern banking.

Paul, now about 70 years old, had essentially deposited everything with Jesus ever since he became a Christ-follower. For the past 30 years Paul's reputation and identity had been entwined with the name of Jesus. Yet Paul declares he had never been ashamed of that decision, and he had never worried that his trust would end in disappointment.

And then, the second point goes further: Paul knew the Lord would guard his deposit "until that Day."  Bible Christians were always looking for that future time when Jesus will set everything right again. If Paul had been persecuted and whipped and imprisoned and shipwrecked, would it be worth it? Yes! If our keeper is the Lord, the only question will be why we didn't give Him more.

GOD IS ABLE - 22. Transformation

~ For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. -Philippians 3:20-21

Recently I watched the video of a funeral service for a man who died at age 34 after a year of treatments for stomach cancer. As a teenager he had studied the reasons why it was foolish to believe that Jesus is God. Then, in college, he became friends with a follower of Jesus who asked him to consider the reasons why people do believe He is God.

After about five years of examination, his beliefs came to rest in Jesus too; and for the next 12 years he talked and wrote about why it makes sense to follow Jesus as the Savior and the Lord. But recently his body went into a grave, and now his family is without him.

As today’s text says, our bodies are indeed lowly. (Some Bible translations even use the word "vile," not because our bodies are disgusting but because that word originally meant "of little account.") Tiny bacteria may ravage them, and suddenly we are engulfed by infection; normal cells may be ruined by disease, and soon we are overrun with uncontrollable cancers or other abnormalities. The bodies that function so beautifully can be felled by microscopic enemies.

These are bleak prospects if nature is all we have. Paul writes of this here in the third chapter of his letter to Christians in the Roman city of Philippi. He said that many people focused their thoughts only on earthly things (3:19). Philippi was known for gold mines and prosperity, so there must have been plenty of attractions, just as there are for us today. But what's the point of earthly things when our lowly bodies fail?

Paul saw the alternative! Followers of Jesus the Lord can set their thoughts on heavenly things instead. Paul himself reached passionately towards the prize of God's heavenly calling. "We eagerly wait for the Savior!" he wrote. The Bible view is that, upon His return, Jesus will transform the bodies of His followers, both living and dead, into undying, permanent bodies of glory.

This passage also mentions a time when He will take charge of all things, even death itself. His immeasurable energy then is the same force He will apply to the transformation of our bodies. The effects of sin and sorrow will ultimately be erased not just from those bodies but from the entire universe. He is able! No wonder Paul's very next declaration is, "Therefore, stand firm in the Lord" (4:1). 

GOD IS ABLE - 21. More than we think

~ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21

Photographers often use a combination telephoto-wide angle zoom lens, which allows them to zoom in close and then widen the view.  Let's do the same with this verse.

First, the text says God is able to do what we ask. A king named Ahaz was once invited to ask for a sign from God. Very sanctimoniously he said, "Oh, no, I wouldn't test the Lord that way." In response, God said, "I am weary of this! If you won't ask, I will give you a sign Myself," and that's what He did. (Read Isaiah 7:10-14.)  We magnify God's greatness when we ask, because He is able to do it.

But God is able to do not only what we ask but even what we think. The Scriptures say elsewhere, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). There might be something you have not even been willing to voice aloud in your prayers, but God is able to do even that.

And He is able to do all that we ask or think. Nothing is excluded. "Is there anything too hard for Me?" He asked Jeremiah (32:27). And He is able even to do above all that we ask or think. When Solomon asked for wisdom, the Lord gave him wealth and longevity as well (1 Kings 3). He is the God who gives generously.

But the passage says God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. Here Paul is practically making up his own Greek; he joins together three terms to create one word that means something like "beyond out of overflowing." There is no way to measure God's ability; there is no container that can capture or limit His strength.

This power is His, but the text also says this power is at work right now in the followers of Jesus. That doesn't mean we are invincible or that we always receive a "Yes" to our prayers.  If it meant that, then we would be God! But it does mean that God never runs out of resources, and His strength is never sapped. Unto this God, the God who is able, be glory.

GOD IS ABLE - 20. Making sure there's enough

~ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8

Today's "God is able" phrase can be lifted out of its place and carried into any situation: "God is able to make all grace abound toward you." Grace is the word for God's faithful kindness, and there is never a moment when He is uncertain about how to be gracious and good.

But the context makes the phrase even more interesting because this chapter is really about money. According to the passage, the Christians in Corinth had promised to send some money to help God's people in other places.  Many had been forced from their homes because of threats and persecution; and others, like Peter and John and Luke, had given up their regular jobs so they could have time to teach the Bible and help others. Sending money was both practical and necessary.

It's beautiful that the Corinthian Christians intended to help people they didn't even know personally.  Paul's letter to them is, in part, a reminder to get their gift ready so they wouldn't be scrambling to scrape it together when Paul himself came to visit later.

What is Christian giving like? First, Paul writes, it should be "a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation" (verse 5), because "God loves a cheerful giver" (verse 7). If you're giving money to a church group or a Christian charity because someone is guilting you into it, that's not God's way of giving.

Then the second principle goes a little deeper: "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (verse 6). In other words, be generous because you choose to be! If you only plant a few seeds, you're only going to have a small crop. Don't be stingy, because God does great things with money that's dedicated to Him. 

God's grace abounds toward these generous, cheerful givers. The Bible does not support the idea that God will always make His people rich. But we can be sure that the money we give away for God's honor is noticed in heaven, and He will never abandon those who use their money for Him.  

GOD IS ABLE - 19. Able to establish

~ Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ... to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. -Romans 16:25, 27

Paul had never met the followers of Jesus who lived in Rome.  According to the first chapter of his letter to them, he had often heard about them and often prayed for them, but his desire to travel to Rome had not yet worked out.

What would he have done if he had visited them? Paul's words way back in Romans 1:11-12 gives us the answer: "I long to see you... so that you may be established—that is, that we all would be encouraged together by our mutual faith." His whole intention was to establish and encourage these Christians.

This letter was a stand-in for the visit Paul had not been able to make.  It teaches the core of Christian faith, illuminating God's righteousness, mercy, grace, wisdom, and authority. In a sense, Paul's desire was fulfilled through this letter, for it teaches so much of God's truth that the Roman Christians—to say nothing of 21st century Christians!—were indeed established in the truth.

And now, as the Roman letter concludes with today's "God is able" passage, Paul restates his certainty that the only wise God is able to establish us. This is a firm, unyielding word. When Jesus was "steadfastly determined" to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), and when a great chasm was described as "fixed in place" between heaven and hell (Luke 16:26)—these phrases use the same word as being established. The Christian who is established is not going anywhere. 

The gospel that attracts new followers to Jesus every day is the same gospel that establishes them.  Whether you have been learning about Jesus for a few days or for eighty years, God says, "You don't have to go anywhere. I am able to make your feet firm."

GOD IS ABLE - 18. Making us stand

~ Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. -Romans 14:4

In the first-century Church there were different perspectives about minor issues. Paul addressed some of them as he wrote to the Roman Christians. What is especially nice is that even a subject like this provided a way to magnify and honor God for His goodness.

The context of this "God is able" passage is that one Christian might have no qualms about eating different foods, while another might believe he should eat only vegetables. Paul writes that neither person should look down on the other because that was not worthy of a dispute.

But why isn't it worthy of a dispute?  It's not just because our food choices are minor.  It's also because both Christians are fellow servants of one Leader.  In business, our colleagues might have some opinions about our work, but they don't sign our performance review; the manager does. So what makes us think we should assess these choices of other followers of Jesus?  They already have a Master, and He is quite capable of assessing their work by Himself.

We need a disclaimer here: "Who are you to judge?" does not mean we never assess what other Christians do. If it meant that, then Paul should not even have told these believers not to judge each other, because he was judging them for doing it! The New Testament is full of proud Christians who are told to be humble, picky Christians who are told to be gracious, and confused Christians who are told to learn the truth.

No, the focus of this passage is something different: When both choices are fine, since God Himself has not limited either one, then don't judge. In such cases we should let other Christians stand or fall on their own.  But even better, we are told that God is able to make every Christian stand.

This last phrase contains the strength of the entire passage. God has both the desire and the ability to keep us stable in our work for Him. As you serve God and follow Jesus, others might be expecting you to fall.  But God is able to make you stand, and that's exactly what He plans to do.

GOD IS ABLE - 17. Grafting them in

~ You, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree. ... And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. -Romans 11:17, 23

You probably did not expect a gardening lesson in today's "God is able" passage! But the analogy of grafting—taking a branch from one tree and connecting it to another tree—served the writer, Paul, very well as he explained his subject to Christians in first-century Rome.

First, some context. Probably 98% of the Bible's Old Testament explains how God chose one nation, Israel, through whom to show both His justice and His grace. They became His unique people. He sent them prophets, gave them His law, and provided a way for them to come close to Him. God didn't ignore the Gentile nations, but He was not near them in the same way (most Gentiles completely ignored Him anyway); and besides, He didn't want Israel to lose their identity as His people by mixing in with those nations.

But then, in the New Testament, God revealed the final phase of His plans. History had proven that even "favored nations" do not stay true to their identity. In Israel, the people enjoyed debating the finer points of the law more than developing a relationship with the God who gave that law. This was not Israel's failure alone; their history simply reveals the weakness we all have as human beings.

So God sent His final Rescuer, Jesus the Savior, the one He had kept in reserve until the time was right. Probably 98% of the New Testament explains how Jesus, God the Son, is now gathering Jewish and Gentile people together, uniting them in Himself and erasing all the old distinctions. It's an amazing message of God's mercy, love, and sovereign choice.

Now, back to our olive garden. Paul tells these Roman Christians, "You (Gentiles) were wild olive branches, yet God has grafted you into His tree." God's tree means His stream of blessings. Just as the roots of an olive tree nourish every branch, so God richly blesses every branch that becomes His.

But then Paul says of the Jewish nation, "God is able to graft them back in too!" He has not cast His people away. Not only have many culturally Jewish individuals chosen to follow Jesus (after all, the first Christians were Israelis), but God also has a plan to bless the entire nation during His future kingdom on earth, just as He promised in Old Testament times.

Do you see the glory of this "God is able" phrase? It means that God holds all the threads of history, and they are never tangled or lost. What's more, this is true not only of nations but also of us. God has not forgotten who and where we are. He is still reaching to us from His garden, calling us to abandon unbelief so He can graft us into His tree of blessings.

GOD IS ABLE - 16. Patience and power

~ What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath...? -Romans 9:22

The next two "God is able" passages emphasize God's sovereign rights. While He certainly cares about us more than we can ever imagine, He is not a vending machine!  We don't simply push a few buttons and wait for our candy to come out.  He is responsive to our needs, but we do not control Him. Here in this verse, God proves that He is able ("His power" means His ability) by showing His long-suffering patience.

The context is specifically focused on God's favored nation, Israel. God had made many promises to that nation in Old Testament times; yet in New Testament times and the many years since, it could seem as if God has left them behind. Back then the Roman empire overran Palestine, and many other nations have abused the nation of Israel since those days. Is God incapable of keeping His promises?

No, all the previous passages on this subject have already convinced us that He is able. But, says this verse, what if God chooses for a time to let people go their own way?  Although He would prefer to guide them, He is willing to display His long-tempered patience while "vessels of wrath"—these disobedient people—ignore Him.

That kind of patience looks like indifference, but God is certainly attentive. Actions always have consequences, and even for those who ignore God a day of evaluation will come. He will not say, "Wonderful, you lived however you wanted!" No, His evaluation will include judgment, which of course is the only fair response to selfish choices, whether by individuals or nations.

The verse above continues by saying that the "vessels of wrath" are prepared for destruction.  It does not say that God has prepared them for destruction. Instead, He merely allows them to choose their own way.  It adds to God's honor that He is not threatened by their willfulness.  He simply waits until the time is right.

To apply this principle ourselves, are we willing to trust God? Perhaps we can see a festering injustice or a developing disaster. We might call to others about our concern, yet only God will finally set it right. And sometimes the God who is able simply chooses to wait.

GOD IS ABLE - 15. God has promised

~ Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. -Romans 4:20-21

There is perhaps no greater example of faith than Abraham. In the New Testament his name is found at least 70 times, and among Old Testament people who are mentioned in the New, only Moses is named more often. Further, on four different occasions the New Testament writers specifically analyze Abraham's life as an example of faith in action (not only here in Romans 4 but also in Galatians 3, Hebrews 11, and James 2.)

This Romans 4 passage refers to a time when God told Abraham and his wife Sarah that they would finally have a son of their own. But already for about 15 years Abraham had been waiting for God's promise that his descendants would someday be as numerous as the stars—yet not one child of their own had been born. What's more, Abraham was now 99 years old and still waiting!

So now, there were two considerations for Abraham.  One was the natural course of life.  The likelihood that he and Sarah would have a child at their age was laughably low; and in fact, at various times both of them did laugh about the idea (see Genesis 17 and 18).

But the second consideration was the God who makes promises. What kind of God is He? Is He powerful and capable? And if so, can He be trusted even if His promises seem delayed or unlikely? The text says that Abraham became strong in faith. This doesn't mean he finally scraped together a lot of faith particles; instead, Abraham was fully convinced that the God who made promises was also able to carry them out.

What are God's promises to His followers? Today He says things like, "I will not remember your sins; I will never leave you; and I (said Jesus) will come again." Can we trust promises like that?

Faith is the decision to live as if God can be trusted. Faced with two considerations—the natural course of things and the God who makes promises—Abraham trusted the God who is able. We can, too.

GOD IS ABLE - 14. The word of His grace

~ Paul said: “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." -Acts 20:32

We have jumped past a great many events while moving to today's "God is able" phrase.  Jesus died; but He rose to life. His followers became bold but were also threatened and killed. Then the greatest persecutor became a believer himself; and that man, Paul, has now been preaching about Jesus for more than 20 years.

Here he is saying goodbye to his Christian friends from the city of Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey. It is a sad moment. In his parting words, he first reviews his days of service with them—public meetings, conversations in homes, preaching about repentance and faith. But then he adds, "You have difficult times ahead. Some around you will try to destroy you, and some among you will cause strife and division."

What an unpleasant prospect! Surely the best plan would be for Paul to stay. He had taught them before, and they grew spiritually then. Why abandon these Christians to the wolves now?

But no.  Paul says, "I am leaving, but I commend you to God and to His message of grace, which is able to build you up." He departs, but he leaves them with a resource full of strength: the Bible.

In your life, has God used someone who is no longer there for you? Time or circumstances have taken away the one you trusted and leaned upon. There are seasons of life when we hold the hands of others as we walk; but at other times—often, it seems, at the most difficult times—we are left alone.

But we are not alone. The Bible is a living book, and it is powerful. And God is still able to use His message to build us up, and as we read it He continues to make us into the people He wants us to be.

GOD IS ABLE - 13. Can He save Himself?

~ The chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save." -Mark 15:31 (also Matthew 27:42)

This "God is able" phrase comes at the very end of Jesus' life and is deeply meaningful. On the one hand it was totally false; on the other hand it was absolutely true.

Jesus the Lord was dying by crucifixion. Above His head was a statement of His identity and crime: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." Crowds came to watch the spectacle and mock the condemned. Luke's gospel says that civilians, religious leaders, Roman soldiers, and even the criminals dying beside Him all joined the scoffing, telling Jesus, "Go ahead, save Yourself!"

Perhaps some had been there a few weeks before at the house of Zacchaeus, when Jesus said, "The Son of Man has come to save those who are lost" (Luke 19:10). Maybe they had heard about the time He declared, "I am the door; by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). Now, at the foot of His cross, we can imagine them joking with each other: "Ha! He saved others, but He is not able to save Himself!"

What nonsense! Was the one who could call legions of angels really held by a few nails? Was the one who overcame the powers of nature and of death really incapable of loosing Himself from a wooden cross? Of course He was able! Foolish mockery from emboldened sinners only added insult to their injustice.

And yet, on the other hand, it was absolutely true: Jesus could not save Himself. There above His head was affixed the name Jesus, the name He received at His birth because He would save His people from their sins—the name that actually means "Jehovah saves."  As one Christian writer put it, if He had come down from the cross He would have had to leave the name Jesus behind.

The early Christians declared, "Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; He was buried; and He rose again" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus could have vindicated His strength by coming down from the cross, but the only way to satisfy God's mercy was for Him to endure the cross. He did not save Himself, but now whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).

GOD IS ABLE - 12. Rebuilding in three days

~ All the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. ... But at last two false witnesses came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” -Matthew 26:59-61

It's a dangerous thing to know a little bit about Jesus and get it wrong. It's even more dangerous to not even care about getting it right.

This passage comes from the sham religious trial of the Lord.  The religious leaders needed to come up with a reason for His guilt before bringing Him to the Roman authorities for crucifixion. Their best effort was to bring in two false witnesses who presented the statement in this verse.

Unfortunately, they didn't get it right, and as false witnesses they didn't really care anyway. They said Jesus had claimed that He was able to destroy God's temple and then rebuild it.  But the actual quote has been preserved for us in John's gospel: When the people asked Him for a sign, He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19).

Look at all the things they got wrong. He never said He would destroy the temple; He said they would. He spoke generally of a temple, not the temple of God; and He didn't talk about rebuilding but about raising that temple. John explains that He was talking about the temple of His own body: They would destroy it, and He would rise to life after three days (verses 21-22).  It's interesting that the leaders themselves understood exactly what He meant (read Matthew 27:63).

This "God is able" passage quotes people who imagined that the Lord Jesus was destructive and unpredictable. Granted, the Lord’s original statement was metaphorical and intended to be a bit obscure. But it's no use accusing Jesus of strange sayings when the accusation itself reveals its ignorance.

It's always worthwhile to devote our time towards knowing what Jesus really said and understanding what He really meant.

GOD IS ABLE - 11. Asking for angels

~ Jesus said: "Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?" -Matthew 26:53

This scene comes just moments after yesterday's passage. As Jesus walked out of the garden where He was praying, a crowd came with swords and clubs to arrest Him. They were led by Judas, the false disciple who betrayed the Lord for 30 pieces of silver.

As the crowd came closer, the disciple Peter swung a sword and chopped off someone's ear. Earlier Peter had slept during the Lord's time of prayer, and as a result his aggressive actions with the sword were misguided. Jesus told him to put his sword away, then added the words we have here: "Do you think I am not able to ask God my Father for a host of angels?"

Asking, "Do you think I'm not able?" is the same as declaring, "I am able!" Jesus said He could have asked for more than 12 legions of angels. With the typical Roman legion numbering 6,000 to 6,800 soldiers, this means more than 75,000 angels could have been summoned instantly to help Him.

There was an occasion in the Old Testament when just one angel helped Israel in battle by killing 185,000 enemy soldiers.  Clearly, with that kind of power, twelve legions of angels were not even necessary!

And yet, He did not call for even one angel. Why? It's because the way of suffering was going to accomplish far more.

When we ask God to use His power, He may choose instead to withhold it. But it is plain that His power is never inadequate! In such a case, then, it must be that He has a different plan.  He is never at a loss, never confused, and never taken by surprise.  Therefore, if we are not protected from suffering, we can trust that God will accomplish something great as we go through it.

GOD IS ABLE - 10. Take this cup away

~ Jesus... prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what You desire.” -Mark 14:35-36 (also Matthew 26:39)

We have come to the final hours of Jesus' life before His crucifixion. We can hardly appreciate what the prospect of this kind of death meant for Him. True, there would be unimaginable physical pain. The torturous death of crucifixion was intentionally devised to inflict the cruelest agony.

But that was not the reason Jesus prayed that this moment would be prevented if possible. The real reason was because, as the Bible puts it, He would be "made sin" (2 Corinthians 5:21), suffering God's judgment as a substitute for those who deserved it.  He was going to be your substitute and mine.  And for the Sinless One who didn't even know what it was like to sin, not even once, that would be anguish indeed.

This is now the third time in a row we have heard this phrase that all things are possible with God. Here Jesus calls to His Father: "You are able to do all things! Please take away this cup of judgment!" Another Bible writer says this moment was filled with the strong crying and tears of Jesus (Hebrews 5:7).

And yet, this is the moment when God does not act according to His power.  It is the moment when Jesus the Lord does not apply His own mighty ability to the situation. Instead, He says, "If the only way that this cup of judgment can be removed is for Me to drink it, I accept that" (Matthew 26:42).

And indeed, there was no other way. God knew our guilt (see day #4), and He knew our inadequacy to save ourselves (see day #9).  If there would be any way to reconcile humanity back to a relationship with Himself, this was it.

What was possible for God's power was not possible for His love. This cup could not be taken away. Therefore Jesus left the garden of prayer and walked towards His cross.  There He would give Himself. There it would become possible for us to come back to God.

GOD IS ABLE - 9. Who can be saved?

~ And [the disciples of Jesus] were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” -Mark 10:26-27 (also Matthew 19:26, Luke 18:27)

That last phrase stands out: With God all things are possible! This doesn't mean, "With God all things might somehow happen." It means, "With God all things can be fully accomplished." It has the same meaning as saying that God is mighty and able to do all things.

However, there is more to this passage. A wealthy young man had just been talking with Jesus about spiritual matters, but he wanted riches more than truth. The Lord, with a heart of love, sadly watched the rich man walk away. (Side note to ponder: What is it about love that it lets people walk away instead of trying to stop them?)  Afterwards, Jesus declared, "It's very hard for rich people to choose God's kingdom."

At this the disciples were shocked! The traditional teaching was that people become rich because God blesses them for being good; and in fact, some examples seemed to back that up. Yet now Jesus says that's not true. "But if not the rich," His followers wonder, "then who can possibly be saved?"

It's a great question. For one thing, it implies that everyone does need saving (it's just that the disciples mistakenly thought the rich had a better shot at it). However, we must admit to feeling a little insulted by the idea that we have to be saved from something in order to enter God's kingdom.  Doesn't God accept the way we are?

Actually, no.  He loves us the way we are... but no, He does not accept the way we are.  He wants to make us new!  Otherwise, why should Jesus have to suffer and die in order for us to be forgiven? The Bible view is that God wants all people to be saved from our sins (1 Timothy 2:4), but saying it that way means that some people will choose not to be.  And sometimes love lets people walk away instead of trying to stop them.

That young man was rich, but what about us? You might not be rich in money, but maybe you're rich in kindness or volunteerism or some other quality. Don't rely on that! None of it is enough for us to enter God's kingdom. But God has made a spiritual rescue totally possible, if we accept it. And then, all through life, we can enjoy a relationship with the One for whom all things are possible.

GOD IS ABLE - 8. To you is the "if"

~ A boy's father said to Jesus: "If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” -Mark 9:22-23

Here is a conversation that frames one of the most poignant scenes in all of the New Testament.  This man had brought his son because the boy was possessed with a violent demon. The spirit would make him throw himself into water or fire, and his father would only barely be able to rescue him.

We can just imagine the father's grief. This had been happening for years, ever since his son was little; and Luke's account adds that the boy was his only child (Luke 9:38).  No wonder he cried out, "If you are able to do anything, have compassion and help us!"

At first glance we would say, "Sir, you have come to the right place! Jesus is able!"  But the Lord heard an off note in the man's plea. Did you notice it? The request was: If You are able, have compassion and do something. There was a seed of doubt that questioned both the Lord's ability and His heart.

The Lord addressed this doubt with an "if" of His own. His literal response went something like this: "The 'if' should be 'If you are able to believe.'"  In other words, Jesus told the man, "Don't ask if I'm able to do anything. The important 'if' question is not about My ability but about your faith."  He added that all things are possible (that's another "able" word!) for those with faith.

Instead of defending himself, the man accepts the correction.  Weeping, he now lifts up his voice and says, "Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief!" This is painful honesty, but it is also refreshing. The Lord instantly sends the demon away and delivers the boy to his father.

Sometimes we come to God the same way. We declare, "If You are so powerful, go ahead and do something!" Gently He helps us understand that He does not respond to ultimatums. Everything hinges on the reality of our faith, imperfect as it is, and whether it has found a resting-place in Him, the God who is able.

GOD IS ABLE - 7. Doing nothing

~ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do.... I can of Myself do nothing. ...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." -John 5:19, 30

This is almost like a reverse "God is able" passage.  Here Jesus is speaking of Himself by saying, "As God's Son, I am only able to do what I see My Father do.  I am not able to do anything on My own, because I do not carry out My will but His." The one who is able to do all sorts of miracles seems to be limiting His power, and that seems rather peculiar.

A good thing to remember about the Scriptures is that whenever a passage sounds unusual, it probably has a lot to tell us.  That's certainly the case here.  These verses are from a conversation Jesus had with religious leaders. They were irate because once again He had healed someone on the Sabbath day (verses 1-15). To them it was all about keeping the law that God gave to Israel through Moses, which prohibited all common work on the Sabbath. While that was indeed the law, the Lord had repeatedly explained that showing mercy is never an act of disobedience.

But here, Jesus spoke of God as His Father and of Himself as the Son. His listeners recognized that this statement was a claim to be equal with God Himself. It sounded blasphemous to them; but rather than backing away from that meaning, He deepened it. Here are two things to learn:

     - The Bible teaching of the Trinity (the tri-unity of the one God of the Bible) is supported here, at least as it concerns the Son and the Father being equal. The Jewish leaders understood that equality as the implication of His words.

     - While on earth, Jesus accepted the humble role of dependence on God as His Father. This is true even though He also possesses great authority (for example, verses 25-27).

It's beautiful to think that, as we learn about the person of Jesus Christ, we are learning all we need to know about God's character. He never took a step that wasn't in perfect agreement with His Father's will. That kind of humility and dependence is a good example for us, too. 

GOD IS ABLE - 6. Who has more power?

~ Jesus said: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." -Matthew 10:28

What's the most difficult thing you've ever done? Many difficult tasks look pretty daunting before we even get started.  It doesn't make it easier if someone tells us in advance, "What you're about to do is really, really hard!"

But that's the position the 12 apostles of Jesus were in.  The Lord was sending Peter, James, John, and the rest on a mission to preach His good news in all the cities and towns of the region. The He told them to expect lots of trouble. "You're like sheep in the middle of wolves," He said. "People will even hate you just because you're mentioning My name."

Yet He also told them not to fear those who reacted that way because the worst they could do was to kill the body. Now, that is indeed pretty terrible! Over the years, many followers of Jesus have paid that price, starting with 11 of those apostles and continuing until now in various parts of the world.

Why not fear such people?  Our verse has the answer: It's because they have less power than God, and they cannot kill the soul.  Only God is able to judge both soul and body in hell.  That's not to say God's followers are in danger of hell's fire!  On the contrary, God shows tender, fatherly care towards those who follow Him.  Jesus' point was simply that those who hate His message are not the ultimate authority; God is.

This verse helps emphasize the Bible view that we are more than just our bodies. Our souls and spirits—the real essence of us—outlive our bodies and are worth nurturing.  As Jesus points out here, God even cares about the sparrows, and to Him we are more valuable than many sparrows!

Therefore, when forced to choose between doing what people say and doing what God says, the right path is obvious.

GOD IS ABLE - 5. Faith that God is able

~ Two blind men followed Jesus, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” -Matthew 9:27-28

Today's story has a bit of tension in it. These two blind men were calling to Jesus for mercy, and apparently they walked behind Him for some distance.  They even followed Him inside, and only then did He stop to talk to them.  What's going on here?  The kind and compassionate Jesus makes blind men walk through the streets and into someone else's house before He responds to their cry for mercy?

The key to this account lies in the Lord's question, "Do you believe I am able to heal you?"  The answer might seem obvious—after all, they had been calling to Him for blocks!—but let's step back a bit.

Over and over they had been calling upon Jesus as the Son of David, a very significant phrase.  It was a title reserved for the Messiah, God's promised Servant-King, whom the nation of Israel had been awaiting for centuries.  Everyone knew that the Messiah would come from the family of David, Israel's greatest historical king.  Calling Jesus the Son of David was like addressing Him by an official title.

It's certainly commendable that these men gave Jesus that honor. But when the Lord talked to them, He asked a much more personal question: "What is your faith like?" They were comfortable using formal terminology for Jesus, but what about their personal point of view?  Were they coming to Him because of their own faith, or was it merely because they had heard some important-sounding ideas about Him?

The same sort of question is put to us, too.  There are all kinds of official positions about Jesus out there.  Many of these ideas are even very respectful.  But He doesn't want us to simply recycle a bunch of respectful terms we've heard about Him.  He wants us to come with a faith of our own.

So He asks us, "Do you believe that I am able to do this for you?"  Is our answer yes?  And if it is, how will that change what we do today?

GOD IS ABLE - 4. Who is able to forgive sins?

~ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”  -Mark 2:3-7 (also Luke 5:21)

It would have seemed obvious that a paralyzed man's greatest need was to be healed! But Jesus saw a greater need, so He first said, "Your sins are forgiven."  The religious leaders were incensed: "Who can forgive sins except God?"

Their question makes this a good moment to think about the Bible word for sin. It comes from an archery term and means "missing the target." The Bible view is very broad: "All unrighteousness is sin" (1 John 5:17). We might overlook some sins and focus on the really bad ones, but God would not be fair and just if He did that. And anyway, who would draw the line between major and minor sins? God sees them all.

But if every action and word and thought and motive matters to God, we are hopelessly mired in a swamp of guilt.  Our best efforts to clean up won't erase the stain of past sins.

 

Here's the solution: God can't overlook our sins, but He can forgive them. The Christian view is that all of God's forgiveness—past, present, and future—is based on what Jesus did.  Faith in Him as God's Rescuer is the belief that He carried our sins into death. When He rose to life, it proved that those sins have no more claims on those who trust Him.

The first-century Christians said of Him, "Through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified" (Acts 13:38-39). It's true—only God can forgive sins. When Jesus declared forgiveness of sins, He was indeed claiming to be God! He backed up His claim by also completely healing the paralyzed man.

Now there is no condemnation for those who follow Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1). When we come to Jesus, He knows everything we really need, and He is able to do something about all of it.

GOD IS ABLE - 3. If You are willing, You are able

~ Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. -Mark 1:40-42 (also Matthew 8:2, Luke 5:12)

We are only three days into this "God is able" series, but we have already reached what is probably my favorite one.  To really get the emotion of this scene, we should start with the depth of despair that a diagnosis of leprosy brought.  The leprosy of Bible times could not be treated medically.  It disfigured and rotted the skin and extremities of those who suffered from it.  And because it was so contagious, those with leprosy were shunned from the community.

So here comes a man with leprosy.  He doesn't even have an identity anymore except for the disease—he's simply "a leper."  The proliferating sores covering his body make him look and smell repulsive.  He lives alone, abandoned by friends and family.  He is essentially waiting to die, and as he waits he suffers physically, mentally, and emotionally every day until the end.

When he approaches Jesus, he is spent.  In Luke's account of the story, he falls on his face as he implores and begs the Lord for help.  Hear the anguish in his voice!  "Lord!" he cries.  "If you are willing, I know you can make me clean..."

When he said, "You can," it meant he was absolutely convinced that Jesus was able.  This is striking, for it reveals his faith that Jesus had a power which no one else had.  Yet he is uncertain about something else, and the entire scene hinges on this:  He's not sure if Jesus is willing.  The emotion here would make an onlooker weep.  From the dust, the leper says to Jesus, "I know You can... but I just don't know if You want to."

Do you trust in God's power but question His heart?  Do you believe He is mighty but wonder if He has forgotten you?  Let this Scripture wash over you in its tender beauty as Jesus, filled with compassion, says, "Oh, yes, I want to! Be clean!"  He touches the man—the first touch he has felt in years—and immediately the disease is gone. 

Then Jesus turns to you, too, and He says, "Yes, I want to!  I am full of compassion for you!  Come near, and I will touch you and change your life with a power that no one else has."