Every once in a while, we are confronted with statements that question whether the stories in the Bible accurately describe those events or whether they even happened, so many years ago. Many of those events are ones on which our Christian faith is based. Sometimes, these statements are made in discussions that we may have with someone individually or in a group. Sometimes, they take the form of a magazine or newspaper article.

Most of these expressed observations are intended to create doubt about the basis of our faith. How can you believe that the world was created in six days, or how is it possible that Noah had two of every kind of animal in the world in the ark? A lot of the New Testament healings and miracles are often referred to. And indeed, there are a great many things which are hard to explain and difficult to accept, for sure. Many individuals and scholars have questioned and are still pondering the accuracy of the Bible. Many people, who at one time believed, are now doubtful. They just don't believe "that stuff" anymore, so they say.

Mind you, this is not a new phenomenon. Jesus commented on this problem:

Matthew 11:18-19 – For John [the Baptist] came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He has a demon." The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!" But wisdom is justified by her children. (NKJV)

Then, as now, people did not believe in Him:

Matthew 11:25 – At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." (NKJV)

Matthew 19:13-14 – Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV)

I think that Jesus is telling us that we should not try to understand everything; we should not attempt to explain everything. We should be like a child; we should have a childlike faith. We should accept the words of Scripture, plain and simple, and not try to analyze every word and every situation and every event. In many cases, it just brings doubt and confusion.

I don't think that we should get bogged down in some of the hard-to-understand passages but rather accept the comfort that faith in Christ gives us under all circumstances on a daily basis. We should trust Him, have faith in Him, and believe, just like a child.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, there are so many times when we are confronted with controversial statements and ideas as they relate to Your Word, and we ask that You will continue to give us comfort from the words of Scripture as they speak to our hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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