Do Not Be Unbelieving

A rock found in Israel and currently on display at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art offers new evidence supporting the Bible’s description of the rule of King David, archaeology experts believe. The stone’s inscription, which appears to refer to King David’s dynasty, is believed to have been written in 830 B.C., only 150 years after he reigned (The Blaze). 

Many people still question the inspiration of the Scriptures. Many still wonder if the Bible really is historically accurate, or if it is only fables and fairytales bound together, like Aesop’s Fables.

Evidence like this stone tablet (sorry kiddos, no Angry Birds here!) is important because it is not part of the Scriptures. Because it is completely separated from the Bible it is an excellent witness that the people described in the Bible actually existed, in this case King David who reigned over Israel around 1000 B.C. This particular stone is a record from one of the enemies of Israel and Judah, Hazael.

Many have argued vehemently that David is one in a long line of biblical characters who never existed, and that his non-existence proved the Scriptures are not inspired by God. Many were skeptical because while the Scriptures paint David as a great king over a great nation, there was (until recently) no archaeological evidence proving his existence.

When extra-biblical evidence like this is discovered it serves to bolster the faith of the faithful, and it ought to cause any agnostic to take note and consider what questions are really left unanswered. The more humanity discovers, the more the evidence points in favor of the claims of the Scriptures concerning their own inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16).

When Jesus was raised from the dead, Thomas refused to believe Jesus was alive saying, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). There are many people who identify strongly with Thomas. He demanded evidence, and until it was provided he refused to believe. Eight days later, Jesus appeared to Thomas and the other apostles and said to him,

“Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” -John 20:27-29

Through the Scriptures God has provided us with all the necessary evidence and more, encouraging us “do not be unbelieving, but believing”. So what is stopping you from believing? What evidence do you desire to find? What questions still linger in your mind?

If spiritual questions nag your mind, ASK THEM! Head over to the Mariposa Avenue Church of Christ website and send us an email! We'll answer spiritual questions with Bible verses, rather than opinions. Above all else, we desire to share God's Word with you, and let you see the reasonable evidence which God has provided through it. Come on, what's the worst that could happen?