It is written that Jesus Christ once told his followers if they had faith the size of a “mustard seed” they could “..move mountains” (Matthew 17:20). There were many accounts in the Gospels which display the sheer lack of understanding the first followers of Christ had as they grasped the fulfillment of who exactly Christ was. As they journeyed with him from town to town, teaching their fellow brethren the truth of God, and the fulfillment of prophecy, we are presented with examples where even those closest to the Incarnation of God Almighty, suffered from a lack of faith.
One such time that comes to mind is when Christ was seen walking on water coming towards the boat carrying his followers, who were sorely distressed because of the change of weather. Saint Peter, the Apostle, couldn’t believe his eyes yet asked to be able to do the same as Christ had done. Jesus extended his hands out to Peter, as a loving father would. Peter begins to walk on the water towards Jesus, but as he gets closer he sinks down and succumbed to the watery element. (Matthew 14:29)
“Oh Ye of Little Faith”
Jesus revealed to Peter that his faith was lacking and that is why he couldn’t do as Christ had just done. This story is profound and sets the stage for us during this very age. An age Where we yet ask, what is faith? How do I get more of it? Saint Paul, a contemporary of Saint Peter, defined faith as “reality of things hoped for, and the conviction of things yet seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). Some people of this day and age may assume that this is a superlative mantra of vision and “positive vibes” which would equate to a positive reality based in “visualization manifestation.
“Yet, this contemporary view of faith is deceptive. For true faith to be made manifest it takes more than the desire to indulge in temporal vain pursuits which can tempt a person to think more of themselves or their belongings than is necessary. Making it a form of idolatry. When it comes to matters of faith, it takes more than reading about it or talking about it. The measure one has of faith is a just manifestation of the fruits of God Almighty dwelling in the “Kingdom of God within of you (Luke 17:21).” It is the hope and the wisdom one attains when they completely accept the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the cross for all of creation by first truly accepting it for themselves.
Saint Paul was wise to say that matters of the spirit should be likened to “milk” and “solid food” (1 Corinthians 3:2). Stating in the letter to the Hebrews [5:13], “People who live on milk are like babies who don’t really know what is right. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Saint Paul understanding that spiritual growth was very dependent upon discipline and practice. In order to grow, one needs a solid foundation and such a foundation is first found crucified on the cross of Jesus Christ. There we see our Lord and Our Redeemer pay the price for our sins, our imperfections and even our lack of faith. On the cross, we see our savior dying so that we may live, so that we may grow.
With all this hysteria going about the Chinese Pneumonia/COVID19 pandemic, we christians need to contemplate our measure of faith. Consider the words of our resurrected Christ who specifically told his disciples, “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:14).
“These signs will accompany those who have believed“
One cannot define their self as having the passionate heart of a Christian without accepting this truth. Yet, everywhere we look now, we see churches closing, no masses being held. At this point, the very notion of a benevolent God who through his Holy Spirit can defeat the works of the devil is considered extreme or delusional. What a woe it is! That even though Christ said “Blessed are those who have not seen [me] and yet have believed” (John 20:29), we are ignoring the power of faith and therefore limiting our role in receiving the gifts of miracles from God because of that disbelief.
Recall, Jesus didn’t perform miracles in the towns of non-believers as seen in the Gospel of Matthew [13:58]. In this Chapter, one of my favorites, Jesus goes back to his hometown of Nazareth. The town folk didn’t respect Christ because they knew his kin and were confounded by the idea that the Jesus they always knew was merely a man, the son of Mary & Joseph. Jesus coolly addresses the matter by noting “A Prophet doesn’t get respect in his hometown or in his own household.”
As we remember Christ riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, let’s ask The Holy Spirit to grant us discernment to help us to heal our brokenness which has lead us as a people to turn away from having full confidence in him and his promises. Trusting that nothing can separate us from his love and his mercy demonstrated by his blood shed on the cross, for our supernatural redemption.
Let’s pray for the perfect LOVE of Christ to cast out all fears and take heart His command to not be anxious about anything!
– Grace and Peace be with you all! Prayers of healing to all those in need. Love Always, Nina 🍥❕
Red Pills Only 