No Faith (Mk. 4:40-41)

Read Mark 4:40-41.

When Jesus asked how it was that the disciples had no faith, you would think they would've paused, thought about it and then asked for correction and insight.  Instead, they commented on something else (What a comment it was, too!).  That subject of having little to no faith would surface again. Jesus wasn't going to let that slide.

Here is the lesson in this pericope (4:35-41):  Faith is predicated upon hearing and understanding a word from Jesus at a specific time regarding a specific situation.  Jesus had said, "Let us go cross to the other side."  Pay attention to what Jesus says.  When He speaks, He is telling you what He wants. He isn't telling you so that you have more information.  Perhaps, then, you should work on establishing sensitivity to His voice.  Learn how to become still and distinguish His voice from all others (including your own).

Matthew 16:8-11

Read Matthew 16:8-11.

• The next thing Jesus wants to teach you might depend on something He has already taught you.
• Don't just "go through" things.  Seek to learn, to grasp, to understand, to apply.
• The lack of faith wasn't due to immaturity but to assumption.  The disciples could've asked Jesus, "What do you mean, since we're not getting it?"  Instead, they provided their own interpretation in an attempt to circumvent their ignorance.  Faith isn't opposed to asking but to assuming.
• Don't forget to remember what God has done.  Remember the "loaves" and the "leftovers." Rehearse the mighty interventions of God in your life.
• Reason attempts to figure things out in an isolated context, void of what Jesus has already done.  You might never reason yourself to faith, but you can believe yourself into reasons.

Little Or No Faith

In the Gospel of Matthew, five times Jesus chides His disciples for having little faith or nearly non-existent faith.

1. Mt. 6:30 > Jesus wants us to trust Him to take care of us.
2. Mt. 8:26 > Jesus wants us to trust Him during the storms of life.
3. Mt. 14:31 > Jesus wants us to trust Him when our eyes can easily be diverted from Him onto our circumstances.
4. Mt. 16:8 > Jesus wants us to trust Him to provide, to remain confident in His capacity and capability.
5. Mt. 17:20 > Jesus wants us to cultivate faith through fasting and prayer.  Faith for this moment might be secured during a previous moment.

Marks of Great Faith (Mt. 15:21-28)

Read Matthew 15:21-28.

1.  Great faith knows when Jesus is near and seeks Him out (15:21-22).

2.  Great faith doesn't accept excuses (15:21-22) to remain silent.  She was a woman, a gentile and she lived in a culture of idolatry.  "Three strikes and you're out" never occurred to her.

3. Great faith understands what's at stake (15:22).  Notice this secular woman's discernment.  Her daughter was "severely possessed by a demon."  Visible behavior went beyond human origin.

4.  Great faith isn't deterred by silence (15:23) or by delay.  She persevered in her pursuit of Jesus.

5.  Great faith isn't afraid to get down (15:25). The woman fell down at Jesus' feet and worshiped Him.  Great faith is furled by humility, not arrogance or presumption.

6.  Great faith seeks only a crumb, not a crust (15:27).

Great Faith (Mt. 14:22-33)

Read Matthew 14:22-33.

1. Great faith isn't afraid to test or attempt things.  Why?  It knows Jesus is near and acts upon His invitation.
2. Great faith is exercised alone.  No one else stood up and climbed out of the boat with Peter.
3. Great faith is stirred spontaneously at the awareness of Jesus' presence.  There is no record that Peter gave any prior thought to walking on water.
4. Great faith is exercised amid great turbulence.  When Peter got out of the boat, the situation was dark, late and stormy.
5. Great faith can easily become little faith due to distraction.  At the beginning of his walking on water, Peter looked at Jesus only.  Later, Peter looked at the threatening wind.  The way to minimize doubt is to maintain focus on Jesus.

Belief For Right Now (Jn. 11:21-27)

Read John 11:21-27.

This is an invitation to keep promises and hope in the present.  Jesus is not just "The I Will Be" but He is "The I AM."  Allow what you believe about someday to impact you in this day.  Martha allowed that Jesus could've done something four days ago.  She allowed something would happen "on the last day."  She seemed to allow that Jesus could do something now (11:22).  That present hope fell apart when Jesus made one statement (11:23).  Martha heard the word "will" and interpreted it as "future" (11:24).

When Jesus shows up on the scene, there should be a "right now" expectation.  "Some day" is wonderful.  "Eventually" is inspiring.  Why live with low expectation in the now?  Consider your need, your situation.  What is it, exactly, that you believe about Jesus? (11:27).  Articulate it.  You need to hear yourself speak it.  (Do you believe what you just said or do you merely think, "That is sound theology"?)

Note on Luke 1:20

Read Luke 1:20.

Doubt comes when we attempt to understand more than has been revealed earlier than is necessary. The call is not to understand more but to obey immediately.  Embrace the word.  Don't try to explain it or excuse it.  The word, the revelation, has a season.  Only in that season will it be fulfilled.  Until fulfillment, believe.

Thinking Out Loud About Faith

Do you want a guarantee of safety and normality or a possibility of a disruption that will lead to change?

• If you want the former, that means you aren't exercising faith. 
• The latter requires risk.  That risk is called faith.  It is more exciting than status quo!  
• People don't mind watching your faith in action, so long as they don't have to put their own on the line.  This dynamic affects most church services, especially the altar times.

The One Leper (Lu. 17:11-19)

Read Luke 17:11-19.

The one leper (out of the ten) was . . .

• Obedient to the command (v. 14).
• Overwhelmed by the change (vv. 15-16).  This is what prompted his gratitude.  Notice that gratitude is awareness plus expression (verbalization).
• Outdone by the comments (vv. 17-19).  His faith made him well.  Wasn't he healed already? (v. 14). The man's heart was made well, not just his physical health.

Notice four things about this one leper's faith.  His faith was . . .

• Opportunistic (vv. 11-13).
• Obedient (v. 14).
• Overcome (w/ gratitude) (vv. 15-16).  He was sensitive.
• Outstanding (vv. 17-18).  Jesus was impressed!  He commented on the man's faith, even though the dominant subject (in context) was gratitude.

Verse Of The Week (08/19/16)

photo taken in my backyard, July 9, 2016 at 4:24 P.M.

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" (Mt. 6:26)

Trouble's Final Word (2 Kin. 4:18-37) (Part 3)

3. WHEN TROUBLE CAME, THE WOMAN DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD.

NOTICE WHAT THE WOMAN COULDN'T DO.

• She couldn't change what happened.
• She couldn't believe what happened.

She wasn't in denial; rather, she believed that God had given her a son and that God could give him back to her. Where would she have gotten such a defiant idea?

• Elijah (1 Kin. 17:17-24)
• Abraham (Gen. 22:1-10; Heb. 11:17-19)

Now that we noticed what the woman couldn't do, let's NOTICE WHAT THE WOMAN COULD DO. She could go to and return with the only one who was capable of changing what had happened. She didn't have the final word, but she knew how to get a hold of Elisha, who knew how to get a hold of God.

4. WHEN TROUBLE CAME, THE HUSBAND DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD.

IT WAS UNNATURAL FOR THE WOMAN TO KEEP SUCH NEWS TO HERSELF. She wasn't trying to deceive her husband. How she wanted to tell him! Why didn't she tell him? She didn't want him getting in the way of her faith! Perhaps she thought that he would ridicule her, discourage her or overrule her.

• If you're going to pursue the supernatural, then you might have to do something that is unnatural.
• If you're going to live by faith, then you will have to guard yourself against human reason.
• If you're going to believe for a miracle, then you should be careful with whom you share your heart and how early you divulge it.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 7)

Conclusion:

At the end of the story, Bartimaeus was healed. “Immediately he regained his sight . . .” (Mk. 10:52). To what did Jesus attribute this recovery of sight? Faith. “Go; your faith has made you well.” (Mk. 10:52).

Bartimaeus leaves us with one last lesson. When you don't “see” Jesus, testify until you can verify. When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances, affirm your faith until it is rewarded.

Let's review the six affirmations.

• I don't see Him, but I know He's near me.
• I don't see Him, but I've heard about Him.
• I don't see Him, but I can call out to Him.
• I don't see Him, but I know He hears me.
• I don't see Him yet, but I will.
• I don't see Him, but I will respond quickly when He calls me.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 6)

Affirmation #6. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I WILL RESPOND QUICKLY WHEN HE CALLS ME.

“Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus.” (Mk. 10:50).

When did Bartimaeus come to Jesus? He came when Jesus called Him. Jesus still calls blind people to come to Him! Oh, they aren't necessarily physically blind, but they are spiritually blind.

• They don't “see” that they are sinners in need of Jesus, the only One who can save them from sin, death and hell.
• They don't “see” that all their good works done over the years will never be adequate to earn them a place in heaven.
• They don't even “see” that this entire discussion is worth having!

 Perhaps you are the one Jesus is calling right now! 

When did Bartimaeus come to Jesus?  He came when Bartimaeus was still blind. Jesus didn't wait for him to pull himself together and get things right before calling. Just as Jesus took Bartimaeus 'as is' – blind, poor, wretched --, He calls to you and says, “Come as you are, and I'll take it from there.”

How did Bartimaeus come to Jesus?  The Bible says that“ . . . he jumped up . . .”

• There was no hesitation.
• There was no postponement in order to get a second opinion or think it over.
• This was his moment, and it would be now or never.
• “Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION” (2 Cor. 6:2).

Pastor, I'm already a believer in Jesus, so what does this point have to do with me? Notice that, after Bartimaeus called to Jesus, Jesus called for him. When you call to Jesus, you should expect to hear from Him! After all, that is God's promise: “Call to Me and I will answer you . . .” (Jer. 33:3a). When you hear from Jesus, you should respond quickly.

There's a day that's drawing near When this darkness breaks to light And the shadows disappear And my faith shall be my eyes
I will rise when He calls my nameNo more sorrow, no more pain¹

1“I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin from the album “Hello Love” http://www.klove.com/music/artists/chris-tomlin/songs/i-will-rise-lyrics.aspx (accessed 7-13-16)

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 5)

Affirmation #4. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I KNOW HE HEARS ME.

“ . . . he kept crying out all the more, “ Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk. 10:48).

Bartimaeus' blindness didn't interfere with his boldness. This is the second mention of his crying out. It had more urgency, intensity, desperation and volume than the first.

Why did Bartimaeus think he had to be intense? He wasn't shouting because he thought Jesus couldn't hear; he was shouting to make sure he was heard above the crowd. Today we say, “He got into it” or “He poured out his heart.”

We know that, indeed, Jesus heard Bartimaeus. “And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” (Mk. 10:49).

Just because you don't see Jesus doesn't mean He can't hear you. Just because you don't see things clearly during a trial doesn't mean Jesus wrote you off. “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psa. 34:15).

Affirmation #5. I DON'T SEE HIM YET, BUT I WILL.

Bartimaeus didn't let his present dictate his future. He didn't see Jesus right then and there, but his faith held on that that would change soon. In fact, Jesus mentioned Bartimaeus' faith.“Go; your faith has made you well.” (Mk. 10:52). What kind of faith? Faith that was not shut down by blindness.

Are you having a hard time seeing Jesus in your situation right now? Do you look only to this day or are you looking also for that day? How many know what I mean by “that day”? Poets and songwriters know how to say it better.

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
'Even so' it is well with my soul.¹

The event referred to is called The Rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17).  I don't see Him yet, but I will!

1Spafford, Horatio G. “It Is Well With My Soul.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #316.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 4)

Affirmation #3. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I CAN CALL OUT TO HIM.

“When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk. 10:47)

Bartimaeus thought, “I don't see Jesus, but there is nothing wrong with my voice.”

• Notice that he called to the right person. (Jesus)
• Notice that he called for the right thing. (mercy)
• Notice that he called at the right time. (while Jesus was near)
• Notice that he called with the wrong credentials. (blind, beggar, bother)

From Bartimaeus' example, we glean some wonderful lessons.

• When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstance, speak His name. “No other name I know that can calm your fears and dry your tears and wipe away your pain. When you don't know what else to pray, when you can't find the words to say, say the name.”¹
• When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstance, tell Him what you need.
• When you don't “see” Jesus, be careful that what is wrong with your circumstances doesn't blind you to what is right about His capability.

1Munizzi, Martha and Clint Brown. “Say The Name.” CCLI Song 33441709. © 2001 Martha Munizzi Music.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 3)

Affirmation #2. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I'VE HEARD ABOUT HIM.

“When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene . . .” (Mk. 10:47).

Bartimaeus must have heard something about Jesus that the others hadn't. When he asked what was happening, people in the crowd called Jesus “the Nazarene.” That was true. Jesus was from Nazareth.

Notice what Bartimaeus called Jesus.

• He called Jesus “Son of David” (Mk. 10:47, 48). That referred to Jesus as Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One.
• He called Jesus “Rabboni” (Mk. 10:51). That referred to Jesus as Teacher.

For a guy who never met Jesus, Bartimaeus said good things about Him, didn't he? We are not told how Bartimaeus first heard about Jesus. What is important is that he did hear about him. What he heard about Jesus was captivating!

How about you? What have you heard about Jesus? Who is Jesus to you? That is the question Jesus asked His disciples (Mt. 16:13-16).

I don't “see” Him, but I've heard about Him. Here is what I can tell you: In Christ We Have . . .

• A love that can never be fathomed.
• A life that can never die.
• A righteousness that can never be tarnished.
• A peace that can never be understood.
• A rest that can never be disturbed.
• A joy that can never be diminished.
• A hope that can never be disappointed.
•  A glory that can never be clouded.
• A light that can never be darkened.
•  A purity that can never be defiled.
• A beauty that can never be marred.
•  A wisdom that can never be baffled.
• Resources that can never be exhausted.1

1“In Christ We Have.” http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/c/christ.htm (accessed 7-12-16)

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 2)

Affirmation #1. I DON'T SEE HIM, BUT I KNOW HE'S NEAR ME.

“And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road.” (Mk. 10:46).

When Jesus was leaving Jericho, he had to walk past where Bartimaeus was sitting. Bartimaeus knew someone special was nearby, since he asked what the fuss was about. Imagine his delight when he realized Jesus was that close! He couldn't see Jesus, but he knew Jesus was near.

Do you get where I'm going with this? There are times in life when you don't “see” Jesus, so you wonder, “Is He just 'up there' or is He 'right here'?” During such times, you should remind yourself, “I can't see Him, but I know He's near me.”

Illustrations

• You don't see electricity, but you know it is near you, since light appears when you flip the switch.
• You don't see oxygen, but you know it is near you, since you just took your next breath.
• You don't see wind, but you know it is near you, since you feel it in your face.

When You Don't See Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 1)

Introduction:

Read Mark 10:46-52.

The catalyst in the story of Bartimaeus is that he couldn't see. Reading the story, we discover that . . .

• His hearing seemed to be fine.
• His voice seemed to be strong.
• He wasn't afraid to defy the crowd.
• His mobility wasn't limited.
• He wasn't afraid to respond appropriately to Jesus' grace.

Strong as Bartimaeus was in many ways, one thing limited him:  he couldn't see. That means he couldn't see Jesus.

Aren't there times in life when you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances or surroundings? In most areas of life you are strong, but in that “one area” your temporary inability to “see” Jesus can strip mine your strength and joy.

You've been around long enough to know that you don't quit on Jesus when you don't “see” Him in your circumstances. You don't “see” Him, but that doesn't mean He isn't there, right? Deuteronomy 31:6 tells you as much. (“He will not fail you or forsake you.”)  In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promised that He would be “with you always.”

Other than quoting Bible verses, which is a great place to start, what should you do when you don't

“see” Jesus in your circumstances? When you don't “see” Jesus in your circumstances, you should exercise and strengthen your faith. Remind yourself of truth that you know. In other words, affirm your faith.

In this series of posts, I want to address this subject: affirmations that strengthen your faith.

Walking The Road With Jesus (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 6)

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DEPENDENT WALK.

If there was ever an example of a faith walk, Bartimaeus is it. Consider what Bartimaeus didn't have when he started walking with Jesus.

• He didn't have his cloak (Mk. 10:50).
• He didn't have any food or water (at least that we know about).
• He didn't have any guarantee of safety.
• He didn't have any spending money (at least that we know about).
• He didn't have time to say goodbye to those who mattered most in his life. (Perhaps that is a good thing, since discussing matters with his family might have discouraged him from following Jesus.)

Is there anything that Bartimaeus did have when he started walking with Jesus?  Yes. Bartimaeus had trust.

• He trusted that the One who healed him could still help him.
• He trusted that the One who performed one miracle could perform another.
• He trusted that the One who touched him once (Mt. 20:34) could touch him again.
• He trusted that Jesus had more grace, mercy, forgiveness and wisdom to give.

Remember, Christians don't walk by comfort, convenience or logic; rather, “ . . . we walk by faith, not by sight . . .” (2 Cor. 5:7). The faith walk is a walk of dependence.

BARTIMAEUS' WALK WAS A DELIGHTFUL WALK.

What made his walk delightful?  The Company – He was walking with King Jesus!

Pastor, I thought you said earlier that Bartimaeus' walk was difficult? How can it be both difficult and delightful? (Jn. 16:33)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”

When Jesus Stopped (Mk. 10:46-52) (Part 7)

Conclusion:

May you be a person whose faith endures and never quits. Why? Jesus will stop for faith that will not.

• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be silent.
• It will not be silent about any lack but will admit it.
• It will not be silent about the Lord but will worship Him.
• Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David.”
• Bartimaeus called Jesus “Rabboni.”
• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be satisfied.
• It will not be satisfied with yesterday's experience.
• It will not be satisfied with another's experience.
• It will not be satisfied with cessationist excuses.
• Jesus will stop for faith that will not be sidetracked.
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by the magnitude of the need.
• Bartimaeus was blind; he had no sight, therefore he groped around and tripped up often.
• Bartimaeus was a beggar: he had no livelihood, therefore he begged in order to eke out an existence.
• Bartimaeus was a bother: he had no direction, therefore, wherever he went he had to be led. Not only that, but he wouldn't be quiet when he was told to be.
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by any insensitivity from the crowd.
• Isn't it telling that it was religious people who told the man with the most urgent need to be quiet?
• Faith that will not stop will not be sidetracked by the allure of worldly comfort.
• Bartimaeus left his cloak behind.

Chorus: “Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.

              You'll find He's not too busy to hear your heart's cry.

              He's passing by this moment, your need to supply.

              Reach out and touch the Lord as He goes by.”

Your faith had a starting point, but is your faith still in motion? Are you still following Jesus? Has inertia gotten the best of your early, quick start? It is never too late to end faith's coffee break and get back to the privileged work of following. Jesus stops for a faith that will not.

Wherever you are, make an altar.  Bend before the Lord. By putting your body in motion, you are declaring that you are putting your faith in motion too.

• Come, believing that Jesus will notice your audacious, persistent faith.
• Come, believing that Jesus will not pass you by.
• Come, having something specific you will ask Jesus to do for you.