In the desert of Massah and Meribah, there was no water for the people to drink. There in the wilderness, the Israelites were thirsty, and they grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, Why have you brought us out of Egypt into this wretched and horrible place for us to die with our livestock (Ex. 17:3, Num. 20:2-10). The people’s complaint showed their lack of faith in God and their questioning of God’s sincerity in leading them to the promised land despite the fact that God has led them to walk through the Red Sea as if walking on dry land. He had also given them manna to satisfy their hunger. He fought for them against Pharaoh and his cohorts and gave them a mighty victory. The consequence of their actions—lack of faith, and lack of trust in God—was that they did not reach the promised land. They did not enter the place of rest promised to them by God.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews (4:1-5) recalls this Old Testament event. It hints on the consequences of the lack of faith in the wilderness experience of the Israelites, and warns against a repeat that can bring the same consequence. He enjoins us, his readers and listeners, to be careful lest we face the same fate. This is because, just like the Israelites of old, we continue to hear the good news and frequently experience the goodness of the Lord, his blessings, and favors.
The pertinent questions we should ask ourselves individually are; Is the good news influencing and changing my life? Are the favors of God profiting me? Are God’s blessings helping me build my faith in Him in such a way that it becomes unshakable? Am I trusting more in God because of His goodness and love He continues to shower on me? Are the messages of good news helping me be more obedient to the divine will, instead of being disobedient, showing more love instead of hatred, and being kind instead of being uncharitable and mean?
One of our challenges as Christians is to practice and apply the effects of preaching and good news messages that we have heard in our daily lives. We must make the word of God useful and profitable for us. Otherwise, it can become the source of our downfall, condemnation, and damnation.
In the Gospel reading, we are presented with the story of the incredible faith of the four men that brought the paralytic man to Jesus. A lot of their actions stood out to show their faith. They manifested patience and resilience, even when the situation was so difficult and challenging for them. To have stripped the roof to lower the man for Jesus to see showed their extraordinary and unbelievable faith. Jesus acknowledged this demonstration of faith and not only forgave the man but also healed him too. We can equally receive such favors when we manifest our faith in God and Jesus Christ, His Son Our Lord. When we show our faith in God, our sins can be forgiven, our sicknesses healed, and our joy restored. We can indeed find rest in God. Ultimately, God’s favors and blessings should strengthen our faith too.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
