More Than Optimism—Obedient Faith!

By Alessandro Miguel, Brazil

We Brazilians are optimistic, and that’s how people around the world often describe us. I have to admit that believing things will get better even in successive chaotic scenarios is something not seen everywhere. Sometimes I think that the source of our optimism is being surrounded by such natural beauty and such hospitable and friendly people. But there are certainly many other factors to consider as well.

Brazil has a Christian majority. Catholicism was for centuries the predominant Christian group, but in the last two decades the country has seen a large increase in the number of Evangelicals. There is a well-known quote in Brazil that says, “After all, God is Brazilian!” In times of high expectation, or after a great triumph such as after our soccer team scores a big victory, someone will quote that saying. It represents both Brazil’s optimism and the way its people are leading their lives.

But for us who believe in the gospel, the reasons for our hope are contrastive. Our optimism is not based on the possibility of improving temporary situations. It is based on the certainty that the kingdom of God is near and on the good news of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as announced by the prophets and confirmed by the evangelist Mark (Mark 1:1-4). 

To introduce John the Baptist, Mark quotes two prophets in order to generate true faith in his readers and to point  out what they really should believe. What we see in the Gospels about John the Baptist is more than optimism; it is obedient faith. He fulfills his role in God’s great history, behaves as God’s messenger, preaches repentance for the forgiveness of sins to a religious people, does not give up in the face of resistance from religious leaders, and remains humble even as the number of his followers grows. And each time he baptizes those who repent. he announces to them that Jesus would baptize them in the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). John fulfills his ministry and achieves the purpose for his existence.

We want our nation to overcome human optimism and reach the stage of obedient faith. May our joy be completed in fulfilling the purpose for our existence. May the gospel be carried to every person. And may we find in John the Baptist inspiration for the exercise of a complete ministry. 

Prayer Requests 

· Pray for every missionary sent from and to Brazil.

· Pray for the Brazilian church and all the pastors and leaders.