Faith First

This weekend's reading covers a lot of ground: John 2:1-3:21, but we'll try to keep our thoughts as concise as possible. John chapter 2 ends with belief based on miracles. Chapter 3 begins with a miracle based on belief. Chapter 2 ends by saying, "...many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men." 2:23-24. The word translated "commit" is the same word translated "believe". In other words, many believed in Jesus when they saw the miracles, but He did not believe in them because He knew their hearts. Later, this fickle crowd that always followed Jesus for another meal and miracle, would walk away (see-John 6:60-66). Miracles, in and of themselves, do not save. How many times have we prayed, "Oh God, if you'll just miraculously heal my love one, he'll then believe?" God steps in and miraculously heals, but then our loved one goes on in his wicked ways. Miracles don't change hearts. In fact, many times they only harden hearts. Just ask the Pharaoh of Exodus.
But in John 3, we see Nicodemus believe (we know he became a believer because of what we learn in John 19:38-42). Nicodemus sought Jesus for who He was rather than merely for what He could do. Here the miracle of being born again was based on belief, simple child-like faith. Which chapter best describes your heart? Do you believe only after He does mighty things? Or do you simply place your trust in Him, trusting His Word? If you will simply trust Him, you'll know the miracle of being born again into the family of God.