Power Before Our Eyes

For many years I used to wonder why so many people do not believe in Jesus Christ as God. He has presented Himself to the entire world through direct personal interaction, and through the Gospel and the Church. Still, so many choose not to believe.

This is what comes to my mind when I read today’s Gospel story. We hear Jesus interacting with the Jews ‘who came to him’ about Who He was. They were willing to believe John the Baptist, but couldn’t bring themselves to believe Jesus Himself. Ever wonder why?

The Lord said to the Jews who came to him: “I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of the Father who sent me. If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony which I receive is from man; but I say this that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men. But I know that you have not the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; it is Moses who accuses you, on whom you set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased.

John 5:30-47; 6:1-2

There are two reasons people do not believe in Jesus Christ as God. On the one hand, only God can reveal Himself to us, so as Saint Paul teaches in Romans 11, God hides Himself from some people. There’s nothing we can do when God hides Himself.

On the other hand, when God chooses to reveal Himself to us, we have everything in our power to either believe or to reject Him. That was the dialogue in today’s Gospel. The Jewish elites chose not to believe despite all the evidence in front of them. What is our excuse?

We have Church history. We have the Gospel AND the entire Old Testament which all points to Christ. We have the saints, so many of whom gave everything for Christ and His Church. Miracle after miracle, Christ continues to reveal Himself, and still, many do not believe.

I presume if you are reading this blog, you either believe or are searching, wanting, to believe. Here’s my offer to you. Find the nearest Orthodox Christian Church and go for a visit. Jesus Christ is INSIDE the Church waiting for you.

If you are desiring to experience God, you will feel His power present in the Church even if services are not taking place. God promised ‘way back’ to Moses that His Presence would be in the Church if we needed Him. Do you need God? He is in the Church waiting for you.

If you know someone who is searching, rather than giving them a long reading list, bring them to the Church so they can experience God for themselves. Then, if they choose not to believe, we must honor their choice, Even God doesn’t force Himself on people.

The Jewish elites in today’s Gospel story had read everything there was to read about Christ, and still, they chose not to believe. It happens. It’s unfortunate, but it happens. On the other hand, many are searching and finding Christ in the Church. His power is still before our eyes.