Luke 16: 19-31
What will it take to convince you?
With thanks to Anselm of Canterbury, and his inspiration Augustine of Hippo, there are two approaches to faith. (Excuse the Latin, but I had five years of it at school and I can’t help showing off sometimes as a reward.)
Intelligere ut credam – I understand so that I may believe.
The journey to acceptance of the Lord Jesus as Saviour, redeemer and friend into our life takes many different forms. There may have been inspirational sermons – devotional books – moving music – perhaps the witness of friends or family. They set us on a path, and there will be a point at which our knowledge brings some understanding, and we realise that the Gospel is more likely to be true than not – we get to 51%, and if our search has been conscientious, the inevitable consequence is that we get on our knees and accept Jesus into our life. But deep down, when the ship of our life is approaching the rocks, there will still be a tremor of uncertainty. All that witness is ok for other people – but does it really apply to me?
The other approach is this: Credo ut intelligam – I believe, so that I may understand
In other words, faith is key to understanding. Faith. Defined in the acronym:
‘Forsaking
All ,
I
Trust
Him’
Often, we really don’t understand. In fact, we need to realise that we shall never fullyunderstand, no matter how academically rigorous our theological background. Often, belief itself is hard, especially when based on (imperfect) knowledge or understanding. But when faith is beyond me, the Good News version of Psalm 131 is the anchor on which I cling.
Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance. I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.
Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother’s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. Israel, trust in the Lord now and forever!