When Jesus went to his hometown and began teaching in the synagogue many were amazed with his wisdom, but they relied not on his words, but on his place in the natural, physical world… “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the b rother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?” (Mark 6:3). Due to the fact they were looking at outward circumstances “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.” (Mark 6:5-6)
In order for God’s power to be manifest it requires faith on our part. We must take him at his word and not rely on our physical senses or outward circumstances. This is illustrated clearly in the story of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.
When the angel Gabriel told Zechariah that his prayers had been answered and he would be a father to a son who would have a special purpose in God’ plan, Zechariah’s response was “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Isn’t it interesting that because Zechariah’s prayer did not get answered in his expected timeline he lost faith that it could be answered. He also focused on the outward circumstances using his sense knowledge instead of believing the word of God that was being revealed to him. (Luke 1:11-17)
When Mary was told she was to become pregnant through the power of the most high she said, “I am the Lord’s servant… may your word to b be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38). How many other women would have had that response I wonder. Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth praised Mary for her faith in God’s word saying “Blessed is she who has believe that the Lord would fulfill his promised to her!” (Luke 1:45).
The lesson is clear. We must focus on God’s will and his promises above what our five physical senses and outward circumstances are indicating to us. The 11th chapter of Hebrews provides many examples of people who believed God’s word above all else. For example it says, “by faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. ” (Hebrews 11:7)
How do we believe in what is invisible and disregard what is seen? We must see with our spiritual eyes having confidence in our hearts that God’s word will be fulfilled at God’s appointed time.