WHAT DO I KNOW OF HOLY?

Ashley Nicholson

Central Truth

Our perspective and view of God will affect how we respond to Him.

And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered at their unbelief. . . ." (Mark 6:5-6)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

1 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.

And he went about among the villages teaching.

What is your view of God? Do you believe in God, or do you believe God? There is quite a big difference between the two. Most believe in God or even in a god—the devil himself believed. With time, God has brought me closer to the reality of who He is. Through deep valleys and painful trials, I believe steadfastly that the fullness of His Word is trustworthy and true—that it brings life, healing, restoration, and satisfaction. Though I do not quite possess the maturity of Paul in "welcoming" trials, I can look back and be thankful because my faith is now more deeply rooted.

After trusting the Lord with my entire life as a college freshman, I have walked through many valleys (as well as experienced many mountaintops!). It is in these valleys, however, that I have learned to trust Him most. Through tears, pain, uncertainty, and failure, I have learned that Christ is my only sure foundation. He loves me deeply and constantly, and He will never withdraw or alter His love for me. If I had not persevered through these trials, I would never have been able to esteem Him as God.

Because it has taken me years to really know God and have a proper view of Him, I can relate to the crowd in this passage. Here, we can see that the Word made flesh appeared to be just like you and me. In fact, I may have responded to Jesus in the same way. However, we have His Word, which proclaims that He is God, our Creator. He is the Lord.

The group Addison Road plays a song called, "What Do I Know of Holy?" As I often make God "too small," the lyrics resonate with me. My simple mind has a hard time beholding the majestic expanse of who He truly is. When I have a proper view of God, I am able to walk in immense freedom. When I view Him as holy and good, I am able to respond with abundant adoration and praise through every trial and season.

1. Are you walking in freedom, trusting God for more than just your salvation?

2. Do you have a proper view of God? Spend some time meditating on who His Word says that He is.

3. Are you trying to fit God into a mold? Are there areas of your life that you believe God is not big enough to handle?

4. Have you had an encounter with the God of the universe? Do you know that His Word says He loved you with such a fierce and deep love that He died for YOU?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In verse 4, Jesus said He was not honored in His hometown. What does it mean to honor someone?

2. How do you honor Jesus in your life?