Too Familiar for Faith

Job 2l; Mark 5-6

“’Where did this man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him…And he was amazed at their lack of faith…”

Mark 6:2-4, 6

Jesus was rejected by his own community and family because they thought they knew all there was to know about him. Jesus’ identity as a carpenter from a Jewish, Galilean family was all his community could see. Regardless of his miracles, the community only perceived Jesus’ humble background. They lacked faith that God could work through Jesus because they were familiar with who Jesus was as he was growing up in their midst.

Is there someone like that in our lives?

Who are we familiar with in our family or community and are unable to see the call of God on their lives?

Are we, too, receptive to those God uses from far away rather than next door?

Is our faith in God or in what we know?

“Lord God, forgive my unbelief in your power and work through those familiar to me, for your glory.”