What is it that you believe?

This week is called Holy Week. It’s the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. Many observe this with special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ. It’s an important week as it reminds Christians of God’s sacrifice of his Son and his love for his people.

That could sound one of two ways. Either that sounds great, or we don’t believe it, so we feel it’s not for us. However, it does come down to what we believe—and we all have beliefs. Some believe in love at first sight, kindness that bounces back like a boomerang, good health, or the loyalty of a dog’s love. Sometimes we believe that everyone is doing the best they can, that failure is a learning tool, or that good things take time. Somehow, we come to have these beliefs.

In general, a belief is an acceptance that something is true or that something exists. It’s trusting or having faith in or confidence in someone or something. It comes from the perceived evidence of its involvement in the world, unless it’s the easter bunny, which is based on imagination and fun.

So, why do Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah—the Son of God and Savior of the world? There are many reasons, over 300 to be specific, but here are just a few the prophets of the Old Testament said:

• He would be a Hebrew Man, Isaiah 9:6 (he was born a Hebrew, Luke 3:30)
• Born in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2 (he was born in Bethlehem, Luke 2:4-7)
• Of a virgin, Isaiah 7:14 (he was born of a virgin, Luke 1:26-27)
• A prophet akin to Moses, Deuteronomy 18:18 (He was born a prophet like Moses, John 8:38)
• A priest in the order of Melchizedek, Psalm 110:4 (He was a priest of the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 7:2)
• A king, Isaiah 11:1-4 (he was a king from the tribe of Judah, Matthew 2:1-2)
• The Son of David, Matthew 22:42
• Who suffered before entering His glory, Isaiah 53, (He died on a cross, Mark 15:27, Matthew 27:57-60, and 1 Corinthians 15:4)

And the list can go on and on. But you may still ask, why didn’t all the Jews believe? Again, there are several reasons, but here is a couple:

• Isaiah and Jesus both spoke of spiritual blindness, Isaiah 6:9-10 and Matthew 13:13-15
• Most of the Jews were looking for a political and cultural savior, not a Savior from sin

At the core was a flawed belief that led to flawed expectations.

So, what is it that you believe? As we face times of global crisis and war, today would be a good day to say this is what we believe. If you are a Christian, is it clear what you believe and why? If you are not, ask yourself what you believe, and are you sure?

The book of Romans in the New Testament says this, Romans 1:19-20:

¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

As you prepare your heart and mind during Holy week, first, we wish you a blessed week. Second, we hope you consider these words and check out this short video message. Whom do you say Jesus is and what is it you believe about Him?

Happy Easter! He has Risen!

Dale Bissonette,
President, Good Place Holdings