Simple Faith by Pete BriscoeSample

Depending on a Completely Dependable God

I think Superman should go on the Larry King show and announce that he would come back to life if people in all 50 states wanted him to. —Dave Barry

Superman is the definitive comic book character. He has all the amazing powers, but what makes him so intriguing is the Clark Kent disguise. He’d behave as Clark Kent as he went about the day, but as the need arose, he’d drop the disguise and fly away to save the day.

We tend to think of Jesus in the same way. I mean, He walked around in His human suit, and whenever He had to do human things—like some carpentry— then He was human Jesus. But when the supernatural was necessary, the buttons on His human suit popped off—revealing a big “G” (for God) on His chest. And after Super Jesus God would handle all the amazing stuff, He’d change back into His carpenter clothes—like Clark Kent getting back into his suit and tie.

But that’s not what we get from Scripture:

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (John 8:28)

Jesus is fully God, yet He chose to live a life of complete dependency on the Father. He could have chosen to assume His God powers at any time, but He chose instead to remain wholly dependent on the Father.

He was modeling a life of complete dependence on God. We’re not called to live super-human lives through our own hidden powers. We’re designed to live in dependence on God. When we are weak, He is strong. When we are foolish, He is wise. When we don’t know what to say, He gives us the words. We are the students, and He is the teacher, telling us—if we are willing to listen—which way to go. That’s the way of faith!

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me what it looks like to depend completely on the power of God. Reveal to me the ways that I try to be independent of You. Thank You for forgiving me of that. Lead me into a more intimate and dependent relationship. I want to have a heart like Yours while you were on earth, one that is completely dependent on a completely dependable Father. Amen.

Reflection:

1. What is faith?
2. What is your faith rooted in? How does your walk with Christ express dependence on Him and His Word?

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