Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus
“…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? 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… And he could do no mighty work there… And he marveled because of their unbelief.” – Mark 6:2b–3, 5–6 (ESV)

Devotional Thought
The people of Nazareth had the privilege of knowing Jesus from His earliest days. They had seen Him grow up, watched Him learn a trade, and lived alongside His family. When He returned with wisdom and authority, teaching and performing miracles, they could not reconcile the boy they remembered with the Lord He revealed Himself to be. Instead of receiving Him with faith, they dismissed Him with offense: “Isn’t this Joseph’s boy?”

Familiarity can breed contempt. For them, Jesus was too ordinary, too common, too close to be the Messiah. Their unbelief closed the door to His mighty works in their midst. What a sobering thought—that the Son of God stood ready to bless them, but their hardened hearts kept them from receiving.

And here’s the challenging question for us: How often does our unbelief limit God’s work in our own lives? Scripture tells us that faith is the key that unlocks the work of God. Without faith, we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). When we doubt His promises, cling to our own strength, or allow fear to rule our decisions, we shut ourselves off from the very blessings He desires to pour out.

It’s not that God is weak or powerless—He is sovereign over all things. But in His wisdom, He chooses to work through faith. The people of Nazareth missed miracles because they would not believe. Could the same be true for us at times? Could God be waiting to show His power, His provision, His healing, or His direction—but our unbelief holds the door shut?

Reflection Questions

1. Where might unbelief be limiting God’s work in your life today?
2. What promises of God have you struggled to trust fully?
3. How can you replace doubt with faith, so that Christ’s power is welcomed and not resisted?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have doubted Your power or resisted Your truth. Protect me from the trap of unbelief, and help me not to dismiss what You are doing because it seems too ordinary or too close. Open my eyes to see You clearly and my heart to believe You fully. May nothing in me hinder the mighty work You desire to do. Teach me to walk by faith, expecting You to work in ways that go beyond my own strength. Amen.