Actions First

Scripture:  The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:41-42

Observation: Jesus compares those who are in the process of rejecting him as Messiah to two cases in the old testament of belief and repentance. The queen of Sheba heard that Solomon had received wisdom from God, believed it, and came to seek his advice. The residents of Nineveh heard that they were under God's judgment, believed, and repented and thus were spared from God's judgment. Yet the Jews are being told that their Messiah - the Son of Man - is here, and they are rejecting his authority, correction, and teaching.

In all cases, Jesus isn't focused on the prior problems or sins of anyone, but rather in one thing: the active response. The men of Nineveh repented; The queen traveled from a great distance; Yet the Jews aren't doing anything but rather asking for more and more "signs".

Application: Faith has always been about responsive action. While we are not saved by our actions, our actions reflect our faith. This is always a complex truth and one that makes some Christians uncomfortable. Many love the idea that we are saved "by faith not works" and thus dismiss all actions. However, Jesus - not to mention Paul, James, and Peter who all explicitly address this - wouldn't agree. For all of them, faith requires action.

In fact, in many cases action is the first step. In Jesus' examples, actions were taken before faith was made real. Conversely with the scribes challenging Jesus, they are requiring Jesus to take action before they'll believe.

Jesus has already acted. God had acted greatly throughout the world. Jesus has died on the cross and resurrected from the dead. God continually works in lives of people for healing and blessing. They don't need to act any more. We need to act. I need to daily do what I am called to do and worry about my 'faith' as an offshoot of those actions, not as something I need to grow before I act.

Prayer: Lord, I seek your will for my actions today. I will act as you desire, and take up the causes to which I am called. Please show me your will and I will respond. Amen.