2006-04-26 - Seeing Is Not Always Believing

Matthew 21:18-22

To curb His hunger, Jesus went up to a fig tree for its fruit. When Jesus found the tree barren, He told it to dry up and never bear fruit again. The disciples witnessed a stern Jesus, and yet they didn't flinch at this display of faith and emotion. Their focus was on how quickly the tree withered. Their astonishment lay in Jesus' miracle and not Jesus' human disappointment. Did they not believe Jesus' words could act so quickly? What else did they need, to know He was the Son of God?

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.(Matthew 21:20, NIV)

Jesus heard the disciples' question and told them the reason behind the fast miracle: faith.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Verses 21-22)

The Bible story ends there. The book of Matthew never reveals what, if anything, the disciples said in return. Were the disciples in shock to believe they held the power to receive whatever they prayed? Did some of the men immediately try out what the Lord said? Were there a rash of mountains crushing in the sea that day? Today when I read Jesus' words in the above verses, they sound so forthright and sincere, that doubt erases from my mind. Faith overtakes doubt's spot, and I prayfuly believe that He will answer all my requests.

God, Through my faith in You, I believe that You will meet my needs today. I have a full schedule in front of me, and don't know how I can possibly do it all. So I pray that You will provide me the strength, to not just get through the day, but to enjoy it. All this I ask in Your son's name, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org