TO BELIEVE OR NOT
What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” —Mark 1:24-25
I was talking with someone recently that I have known for years. I remember the first time I shared the gospel with this person. There was no doubt the Holy Spirit led in the situation, but the person was not interested. In this latest conversation this person stated that he “just does not believe in that stuff.” I asked if I could share something with them and they said yes and I shared with them more about Jesus. Outwardly they were not interested.
There are so many people that just don’t believe nor will they take the time to investigate to see if Jesus is who He said He was. How interesting that people will not believe in the historical events and life of Jesus, but the demonic world does! They not only believe that Jesus is “the Holy One of God” but they also understand that there is a time coming when they will face a final judgment as mentioned in the verses above— “Have you come to destroy us?”
In James 2:19 we read that “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” People say they believe there is a God, but there is no evidence in their lives that they truly believe this. The demons believe and they do give evidence— they shudder. They shudder at the thought of their final coming judgment.
A person on railroad tracks can ignore the fact that the train coming toward them at full speed will destroy them, but the fact remains that it will. All the person has to do is, by an act of his will, make the right choice and step off the tracks and out of danger.
This person has heard the gospel. They have heard also that a “train” is coming at them full speed and if they do not trust the Lord before they die then they will face judgment. Oh, that they would truly come to understand who Jesus is and trust Him!
Dear Father, You know the person of whom I speak. Be pleased to draw them to Yourself. You tell us You are not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. That is Your communicated desire. Please touch this person’s life by the power of the Holy Spirit, convict them of their sin, of Jesus love and death for their sin and bring them to resurrected life. May this be so in Jesus powerful Name!