Greek Free Church - Perspective

February 24, 2006

Walk by faith not by sight

As a Christian it is always exciting to read about a recent discovery that confirms the biblical record. One such finding was the recent discovery of the biblical Pool of Siloam as mentioned in the gospel of John. Workers were repairing a sewage pipe in the old city of Jerusalem and unearthed a freshwater reservoir that was considered a major gathering place for the ancient Jews making religious pilgrimages to the city. Scholars believe it is the reputed site where Jesus cured a blind man from birth, the Pool of Siloam.

Reading this sort of stuff gives you some sort of satisfaction, that in a way confirms what you believe is true. It’s the sort of stuff you can recite to your non-Christian friend and yell “I told you so”. While it is great to hear about such discoveries, I wonder whether it should have any impact on our relationship with God.

The bible states that “we walk by faith not by sight” Its not what we see that confirms our faith, a recent physical discovery shouldn’t have the slightest impact on our faith in God.

When I think about faith I am astounded by the faith of Noah. He was instructed by God to build an Ark (A large ship) in the desert, when the biblical records reveals that it didn’t rain on earth at all but a mist of water watered the earth. I wonder if Noah needed a shower of rain here and there to confirm his instruction from God. The bible reveals that he followed his instructions precisely and that’s why he is listed in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11: 7 “By faith Noah, being warned of God of the things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.”

I wonder whether we need evidence to confirm our faith. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes God uses these little earthly revelations to prop us up when we are down. But I think God wants us to live but faith and not by sight. Remember what Jesus said to Thomas the doubter, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou has believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed.

May the Lord bless those who walk but faith and not by sight.