June 25 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

The disciples ask Jesus, “Increase our faith.” Christ’s reply is well known and often quoted. He says, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

In English “if” has a ring of uncertainty to it; it places a condition on something. The Greek language uses “if” that way too, but also in a way to state and confirm a fact. This type of “if clause” is used for making a request or for giving further instruction and can be substituted by the word “since”. Christ’s response to His disciples should be translated that way. “Since you have faith as a mustard seed…” The disciples have faith. They have what is needed to do what is expected of them. The Lord doesn’t add faith to our lives like a cook adds ingredients to prepare a dish. If the disciples use what they already have, it is possible for them to fulfill the requirements of discipleship by loving their enemies, forgiving those who have wronged them, and sharing the good news of the gospel with others. Jesus tells the disciples that they don’t need more faith. What they need is to apply the faith they already have, even though it may appear to be as small as mustard seed.

Faith in God is not something you go out and get for yourself. It is always a gift from God. By suggesting they do not have enough faith the disciples are in fact criticising the Lord for not giving them what it takes to be His disciples. It is also an excuse for not doing what is their duty. Christ shatters that attitude. Even faith the size of a tiny mustard seed is more than enough to move mulberry trees, to do those things that are very difficult to do. Faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to love your neighbour, to worship God faithfully, and to be a good parent to your children. Jesus warns His disciples to stop complaining about what they lack and start using what they have.

Faith is a power, putting people to work in the church of Christ. What brings individuals to change their attitude and their way of thinking? Is it not a simple child-like trust in the Lord? Our God never gives a task without providing the tools to fulfill it. You may feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life. Don’t forget that the Lord has given you the time and the faith you need to do what He asks of you.