3 Barriers in the Heart of Man Preventing Genuine Faith
As we see the public ministry of Jesus coming to its end in the book of John, Jesus withdraws to be alone. John through the inspiration of the spirit takes us back to Isaiah’s scriptures to help to guide us to what is both tragically heartbreaking and yet should point us toward our greatest source of joy. Jesus came that He might save the world; yet, to do so He had to suffer utter rejection and humiliation at the hands of those He came to save. His ultimate joy in those who would follow Him, His unwavering love, and His Glorious Grace would be realized only through the greatest travesty of disbelief by mankind’s pride filled hearts. The very people for whom He came would reject Him as their messiah. Why? What were the barriers in the Heart of Man that prevented their seeing Him, desiring Him and believing in Him as their Savior? As we look at the barriers of the crowds that had seen Jesus, perhaps we can see the barriers within our own hearts which thwart our faith.
To help us realize these truths let us first go back to the temple when Mary and Joseph first brought Jesus as a baby.
“25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2).
Why did I take us back here? Look closely, Simeon so accurately declared—“this child is set for the fall and the rising of many in Israel”. While the hearts of some would rise in faith
and belief; others would fall upon their own self-centeredness—blinded by their own preconceptions and desires. A sword would cut through the heart and soul of Mary as she would watch her son die on the cross. Through the greatest heartbreak she would ever know would also come her salvation. It would be through a broken heart that Mary and the world would have any hope of Real, genuine joy. True joy could only be found in a relationship with our creator. That road to joy was going to be found through pain, sorrow and a heart that would be shattered. There is nothing that breaks my heart more than to see one of my children in pain. Imagine the agony of Mary as Christ hung upon the cross, beaten and suffering. Through all that agony would come salvation’s truth. That was barrier #1 to many of the people.
BARRIER #1
Stay with me here. I really hope to help you understand. John presents scripture from Isaiah as to why after all the miracles the people didn’t believe. The first he presented was from Isaiah 53 which said “Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (John 12: 38 and Isaiah 53:1). This came from the scripture where Isaiah described the coming lamb as lowly with no beauty. Jesus did not come in majesty and grandeur as the people wanted. He did not look like the Messiah they wanted. They wanted a Messiah who would provide for them now. We don’t want to suffer anything; even, if that will bring us joy later. We want everything we desire now. Too often man’s heart would say, “I don’t want my heart to be broken; even if that is my only way to know true love. I want the counterfeit joy now.” Barrier number one to the crowd accepting Christ as their Savior is they did not want a Messiah who would die to bring them eternal life. They wanted a royal King who would give them those pleasures now—fulfill their human desires now.
BARRIER #2
The second scripture which John uses is from Isaiah 6. This scripture comes right after Isaiah saw a vision of Christ “high and lifted up”. The majesty and glory was so great that Isaiah fell before Him in shame. Isaiah declaring his own unworthiness. Then, God covers Isaiah with a cloak of salvation and bids him to go and tell the people. Yet, God knew the people wouldn’t believe. Their eyes and hearts would be blinded by their own pride. They didn’t want a God who would “tell them what to do.” They wanted to do their own thing and a God who would bow down to provide all that they wanted in their own selfish hearts. They wanted to be their own “god.”
BARRIER #3
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). All too often, even those of us who follow Jesus and believe in Him are too caught up in “praise of men.” I want you to like me. I am worried about being loved by my family, my friends. I want to be liked by you my readers. Do I let this stand in the way of my speaking the truth? I pray not. At times it is a struggle. I think about words I have spoken and wished I had been silent. Yet, at the end of the day; I pray that my words be a testimony to Christ. Sometimes when my need of other’s praise brings me to a heart of brokenness; then, I find solace in my aloneness with God. When I am silent in the brokenness of my own heart, I find joy and hope in Christ Alone.
CONCLUSION:
What is your greatest barrier to true genuine faith in Christ? Do you trust Him with your brokenness? Are you willing to walk through the depths of sorrow with a lowly Savior that you might join in His Joy? Are you willing to lay aside all your pride and bow before Him; knowing that there is nothing in you that is worthy of Him? Are you willing to lay aside all your desires for man’s praise, that you might find in Him all that you need?
The song I chose for you today is “Call It Grace”
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Such insightful thoughts that should give us all pause. Thank you for sharing your deep look into the true meaning of these Words to us.
Thank you so much Sherrill.