Tag: Mark 11
Forgive, believe and receive!
Scripture reading for February 24: Mark 11
“”Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also Who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”” Mark 11:21-25
As human beings, we are not accustomed to our words having power. We often make requests that are ignored and ask for certain things to happen that never come to pass. We make declarations of our intentions but fail to follow through. We develop our lack of trust over repeated failures of our own efforts and others who don’t respond as we asked. Then when it comes to God, we are full of unbelief because we are centered on ourselves. Forgiveness is needed for all.
Jesus wants to alter our view of God and life in His kingdom. In this story of cursing the fig tree, Jesus was teaching multiple lessons to His disciples as His time to be physically with them was soon coming to a close. The kingdom of God works through faith because of love. God is love and this implies a relationship where God wants the best for us. We are to have faith in God as the central relationship in our lives. He has promised to answer prayers prayed in faith. Faith believes in God and His goodness and ability to do whatever is asked. Because God has forgiven us through Jesus, we must also forgive others and maintain the loving relationship that fosters faith. Forgiveness also takes faith to give and receive. Mountains of bitterness and hills of resentment can be easily removed when faith works in love!
Have you ever felt bitterness and cynicism come into your heart because of your own or others failures? Have you asked God for something you desperately needed and felt He failed to respond? Have you forgiven others as Christ has forgiven you?
Prayer: Father God, forgiveness requires great faith in You and Your amazing goodness and justice. As I mature in Christ Jesus, help me to more freely forgive others and myself when I fail. Prompt me to ask and believe that I will receive the answers I need. Perfect Your love in me to improve my faith. Amen.
A House of Prayer for all Nations!
Scripture reading for February 24th: Mark 11
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 11:15-17 “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?” But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”
Jesus was beginning His last week ministering on earth as a man. He went to the temple the first evening and just observed what was going on and then quietly left. (Mark 11:11) The next day Jesus returned to the temple and began to drive out the money-changers and those who bought and sold sacrifices. He upset their tables and their “apple cart!” His problem was with the purpose of the temple: God designated it a place of prayer for all nations! (See 1st Kings 8:23-61) The activities of buying and selling were hindering people in their sincere approach to God! God desired to give all people joy in His house of prayer as they received answers and forgiveness through drawing near to Him. (Isaiah 56:6-8) Jesus used this cleaning of the temple again to emphasize and teach His desire for all nations to commune with Him and the Father.
Observations for over-comers: Jesus is zealous for His house and has designated it a “house of prayer for all nations.” His Church must joyfully allow the Spirit freedom to direct them in prayer for the nations! “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord and to worship Him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to My covenant–these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer.” (Isaiah 57:6-7)
“Have faith in God!”
Scripture reading for February 24th: Mark 11
Jesus entered Jerusalem on Passover week to the cries of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9) He went to the temple and looked around, taking note of the activities there. Since it was late, He went to Bethany to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. As they walked back into Jerusalem the next day, Jesus saw a fig tree and went to see if it had any fruit on it. He saw it had nothing but leaves, because it was not yet the season for figs. “He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14)
Jesus went back to temple and cleaned house! He drove out the money changers and those who were buying and selling there. “And as He taught them, He said, “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'”? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'” (Mark 11:17) The purpose of the temple was to invite all nations to come to God and find Him as their source of comfort, healing, and hope. The religious leaders had made it into a market, hindering the multitudes from finding God.
On the way back into town after another night in Bethany, the disciples saw the fig tree was withered from the roots. “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Faith in God brings supernatural results!