If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? John 3:12 NABRE
Jesus speaking to a ruler of the Jews, Nicodemus, compares His telling of earthly things, what humanity is able to understand and heavenly things, what humanity requires, specifically Wisdom, to understand. Jesus knows Nicodemus lacks belief and so he does not understand. Jesus has Wisdom because of the Source of His information is the Father. Jesus tells us He has come down from heaven and so knows the Father. Jesus wants us to know the Father, and is implying a first step to understanding is belief, faith. Andy Stanley spoke recently about faith highlighting there are only two times Jesus is amazed, the great faith of a Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:10) and a lack of faith when He was rejected in Nazareth (Mark 6:6.) Nothing else amazes Jesus, not intelligence, strength, capability, riches, etc. When faith is full we are able to understand heavenly things.
Faith does not require intelligence or great knowledge, it requires trust in Jesus. This is easily demonstrated by meeting people who are not capable of great intelligence. I have been blessed to spend many years with people with developmental disability, in Jesus centered communities. Their faith can be unshakable, their trust in Jesus unparalleled. Are they intelligent, no, but they have Wisdom. They know Jesus loves them and wants them to love. Often these special people have been called “Teachers of the Heart.” It is our heart yearning for God, yearning for a deeper relationship with God. Generally it is our “thinking” that causes separation from God, our desire for power and independence which we learn from earthly beings. Trust what is in your heart, it will lead you to God.
Do you let your heart lead you? How can you strengthen your belief?
Generally it is our 'thinking' that causes separation from God, our desire for power and independence which we learn from earthly beings. Trust what is in your heart, it will lead you to God. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #belief #heart #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways