October 13, 2020 -- John 11:45-46 -- Miss or Well Placed Faith

Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

John 11:45-46 English Standard Version

Is it enough just to have faith? Certainly the world is okay with the word “faith”. The question is, in what or in whom do you place this faith? If your faith is misplaced, no matter how strong it is, it will not carry you to eternal life in the exalted presence of God.

Here is a wonderful illustration about faith. Michael Kruger noted he could have strong faith that the Twin Engine Cessna he’s flying could take him from Moncton, NB, to London, UK. He is sure of it. So he tanks it up and at 640km, or just around 15% of the total distance to London, he crashes into the ocean. His faith, though strong, was misplaced. If Kruger, though he is frightened and nervous sits in a Boeing 747, though he is unsure and wavering, but fights his fears and stays on the plane it will carry him the full 4600km and he will land safely in London, Heathrow. Why? Because his faith though weak, was placed in the right object. The Boeing 747 can easily carry him to that destination.

Many Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Other Jews saw Jesus raise Lazarus and they kept their misplaced faith in the Pharisees, thinking people were in charge. They’re going to crash into the ocean of misplaced faith. The Jews who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead and placed their faith in Him, had put their faith in Him Who alone can carry them through the turbulence of this life to the joy of our Father in heaven.

Your confidence is not in your faith—your confidence is in Jesus Christ—the Captain of Salvation. He has washed away your sins. He has sent His Spirit to guard you in His perfect salvation. He has caused you to be named daughter or son of the Most-High God. He will bring all His beloved people safe through the turbulence of this life—so they can bear witness to His goodness all the while His protecting trajectory brings all His people safe to the eternal shore.

Lord Jesus Christ—You are the resting place for true faith. Spirit of God, increase the faith of Your people. There are days it is hard to hold on, but remind Your people that they are encapsulated in the great work of Jesus and He will bear them safe to the Father. Jesus, let Your Word and Spirit bring increase in the steadfastness of this sure and well-placed faith. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awRdzFzeUPg