Devotional

Believe the Word

Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. -John 2:22

And they believed the Scripture.

The Greek and Hebrew words for “believe” combine to give us a picture of faith that not only requires our participation, but provides us a foundation upon which we can stand and be established.

Pisteuo is the Greek verb form of the word used in this text for “believe.” It means to trust in, have faith in, be fully convinced of, and rely on. It expresses reliance upon something and a personal trust that produces obedience. The Hebrew word here used for “believe” is ‘aman and means to be firm, stable, established, and firmly persuaded. In 2 Chronicles 20:20 the word appears three times and could be translated: “Be established in the Lord … and you will be established.”

The key to being established in the Lord is becoming grounded in His Word. Does our faith seem weak? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Do we sometimes feel as if our life is built on shifting sand? Let us build our lives on Jesus—the Word (John 1:14). And, as we believe in the Lord, we will be established.

Psalms