November 12
Faith and forgiveness
As they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots…Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” Mark 11:20-21 (NKJV)
Yesterday, we saw Israel’s lack of faith depicted as Jesus spoke against a fruitless fig tree. A day later, the fig tree had withered and died. Peter exclaimed in amazement that Christ’s pronouncement had come true! Jesus used Peter’s astonishment to teach the disciples an important lesson on faith:
Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God…assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Mark 11:22-23 (NKJV)
Keep the context in mind here. Peter was surprised that Christ’s words had come to pass. But Jesus essentially says, “When you truly trust in God, amazing things are going to happen…so don’t be surprised when they do.” Just as Jesus’ word against the fig tree had supernatural power and authority behind it, the same is true when a person’s prayers are backed by faith in God.
So confidence in the person and power of God is important. But so is something else Jesus goes on to mention:
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him...” Mark 11:25 (NKJV)
Faith is always linked with forgiveness. You can’t hope to have one without exercising the other. If you’re harboring a grudge against someone, it’s going to hinder your faith, which is going to hinder your prayer life.
If your prayers seem powerless, if your faith is at a fizzle, if you’re surprised when God does show up supernaturally, check to see how you’re doing in the forgiveness department. Don’t let an unforgiving attitude towards anyone get in the way of your faith or your ability to pray with power.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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