February 19 - The Faith Factor

 Read today’s texts first: Numbers 5 & 6; Psalms 22; Acts 26

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Reason will take you so far, but when we include
the faith factor, it all begins to make sense. 

Reason will only take you so far.  Paul was a logical thinker and a convincing speaker.  After his defense to Agrippa, the king was almost persuaded to become a Christian (28).  Festus, on the other hand, thought Paul was crazy (24).  Reason, logic and intellect will only take you so far – eventually faith must become a factor.   When we take that leap of faith and actually become a believer, it all begins to make perfect sense.

Notice I said “begins.”  I’ve been a Christian for over 60 years, but I’m still not ready to explain the significance of the jealousy ritual in Numbers 5 or the Nazarite vow in Numbers 6.  I am, however, far enough along in my faith journey to appreciate the incredible prophecies in Psalm 22.  David likely has no idea that he is prophesying a blow-by-blow description of Christ’s crucifixion.  He thinks he’s just complaining about another one of his bad days, but the Great I Am, who sees the future as if it’s the present, places words in his mouth of undeniable detail describing His death.

We know Jesus had something to do with this Psalm because He quotes it while hanging on the cross: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (1). Then David includes these incredible insights.

• Despised by the people (6)
• Scorned and mocked by a gaping crowd gathered around (7,12,13,16)
• Poured out like water (water and blood flowed from His side) (14)
• Bones out of joint (effects of the crucifixion) (14)
• Incredible thirst (15)
• Pierced his hands and feet (16)
• Bones unbroken (17)
• Casts lots for His garment (18)
• The eternal effects of His death and resurrection (24-31)

This description could not possibly apply to David, but it vividly describes the last hours of the Messiah to come through his seed.

Once we include the faith factor it all makes so much sense.  The capacity of our Jesus to describe the details of His death more than 1000 years before He even appeared on planet Earth as the Babe in Bethlehem is mind-blowing.  “Lord, may I never doubt that You know exactly what’s going on and how it’s all going to turn out in the end.  Fear should not be a factor, but faith sure is!”