Day 18 – Living by Faith
JOHN 8:53-58
Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do You think You are?”
Jesus replied, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies Me. Though you do not know Him, I know Him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day; he saw it and was glad.”
“You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to Him, “and You have seen Abraham!”
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:53-58).
Abraham is often referred to as “Father Abraham.” In the Torah, God used Abraham to lay the foundation of faith for the best way to honor God. Jesus told His followers that Abraham rejoiced at the news of the coming Messiah. In this statement, Jesus declared that He had existed even before Abraham. This is such an amazing picture of Abraham’s faith fulfilled.
Reflection
- How could Jesus exist before Abraham?
- How old is Jesus?
- How do you think the Judeans responded to such a declaration?
HABAKKUK 2:4
See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous will live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4).
Habakkuk speaks of the importance of faith. Note that pride is contrasted with faith.The growth of our faith is the most accurate measure of our spiritual journey through life. As we grow in faith, we grow in our ability to understand and appreciate our relationship with God. The closer we grow to God, the greater our maturity as believers becomes. Mature believers know that pride interferes with our relationship with God.
Reflection
- In what way does pride differ from faith?
- How does Habakkuk advise us to demonstrate our faith?
- How does one “live by faith”?
