Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 21:25,”‘John’s baptism – where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?’ They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” He will ask, “Then why didn’t you believe him?”‘”

Background

Recently I watched the movie, Thor. In it, the Norse god Thor is banished from his homeland of Asgard for disobeying his father, King Odin, who sends him off in exile to Earth. While on Earth, Thor is discovered by a young astro-scientist who has been watching the skies in search of the mythical “wormhole,” a portal or bridge that theoretically connects our universe with another. Thor eventually explains to the scientist that what she is in search of actually exists. This wormhole, or “rainbow bridge,” flows out from Asgard and provides passage between the nine realms of the universe. Thor has indeed come from those heavens she stares up at and given credence to the theories that this scientist has based her entire professional life on.

Application

But back in the real world, we’re not researching the skies to find out what might be up there and how it could get from there to here. As followers of Jesus, we have settled that debate. We don’t look for a wormhole or a magical bridge. We bear witness through the Spirit of God that His very own Son came from heaven to Earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, and died and rose again to ascend back to heaven. There is no question in our minds. If so, then why are we so inept at living out the words that came down from heaven? What other form of assurance and authorization do we need to make us act upon the life-changing, God-breathed words written in the blood of our Savior? What leads us to focus on one part and completely ignore another? If we say that what we believe is from heaven, then why do we look and act and talk like all those who base their lives on the ways of man and the importance of this earthly life? From now on, if we say, “From heaven,” then let’s act like it. No more hesitation, no more finger-pointing, no more self-righteousness. Just living like we believe what we say we believe.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let your faith motivate you to live out what you believe. And where your faith is strong, use that to encourage someone who needs to be brought along.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words