Last week on Friday we enjoyed a wonderful family service in remembrance of the work that our Lord and savior Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. The theme of the day’s homily was about those things that one does that amazes God. One scripture highlighted in the homily was Lk 7:1-10 the story of the centurion. This is one of the few passages in New Testament where the bible records that Jesus was amazed. Listening to the Centurion speak, He was amazed by the man’s great faith. v9 “when Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel”
I don’t know what would be your response if someone asked you, do you think God can be amazed by our actions? The truth is that God is always amazed by those who believe and respond to circumstances in their lives and in the lives of others according to His word.
“What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him/her, ‘go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same Way faith in itself if not accompanied by action is dead” James 2:14-17.
Did you know that the only way people outside the household of faith can tell whether someone’s faith is true or not is by their deeds. Your deeds of love, mercy, obedience and kindness speak a lot about your faith among those you interact with. In other words this is the prove of your faith; that whoever you say you are, you truly are. That you don’t speak water and drink wine and for that reason you are an example and a model in the society.
James reminds us that well wishes to the needy and the hungry without a hand of concern and care cannot save someone. Our Christian life is admired by those who see true love being expressed in a practical way to someone who is desperate and in need. When we attempt to tell people that God loves them and our actions confirms it, these people in their situation will desire to know more about the God we believe in.
Hebrew 11 is a record of heroes of faith who pleased God by their faithful actions. One of them is Abraham who took God by His word and laid his son Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice. His act of faith was credited as righteousness. Immediately Abraham believed God and did as he was instructed, the angel of Lord called to him and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the sea shore. Your descendants will take possessions of their enemies and through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me”.Gen22:15-17
Rahab also as a hero of faith is quoted by Apostle James as one who expressed her faith by her action and she too was considered righteous. I am convinced that God is always amazed by acts of faith done by people who are faithful to His word. “As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead”. Ja 2:26
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