Contemplative Bible Reading

Hebrews 4:2 (New International Version)

For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.

The gospel without faith is of no value to the person hearing it. I can hear about Jesus Christ all day. I can hear about the miracles performed in His name. I can hear and can hear and can hear.

At some point I must believe. I must believe in something that I did not see, and that is the definition of faith.

There are those described in this verse who hear but do not combine the hearing with faith. The gospel is of no value to these people. The gospel is not lacking, it is the absence of the ability to believe.

I believe the gospel. With me, however, my lack of faith is with other people. There are times when I don’t believe that God can work through some people I know. I have been wrong many times.

God, thank you for my faith in the gospel. Help me with my lack of faith in my fellow servants.