Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 WEB
For those who believe in God, faith is a shield of protection against the assaults of a wicked world. When confronted with our own faults, faith guides us to repentance and renewal. Faith keeps us steady in times of trouble and demonstrates our devotion to God. Defining faith, Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV”
Hebrews 11:16 asserts the essential nature of faith saying, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV” This illustrates two points. One, that faith is belief in God. And two, that trusting in the goodness of God demonstrates faith.
But where does faith come from? The scripture tells us in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. WEB” Also, creation itself inspires us to believe in God as David says in Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. WEB”
Graciously, God credits faith as righteousness. We read about this in the Genesis 15:6 account of Abraham which says, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. KJV” As Christians, salvation comes from faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Our actions cannot save us, but faith redeems the believer to the righteousness of our Savior.
Justified by Faith
Through faith in Christ, we become adopted sons of God grafted to the vine of God’s chosen people. We read of this in Galatians 3:8-9 which says, “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. WEB”
Jesus’ statement, “Have faith in God” in Mark 11:22, follows Peter’s astonishment at the withering of the fig tree that Jesus cursed. The fig tree symbolized the faithless, fruitless spiritual lives of the people at that time. The judgment Jesus placed upon the tree for not bearing fruit points to the judgment of man for sin.
James 2:26 touches upon this subject saying, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB” For faith to be alive it must produce fruit.
The disciples witnessed many miracles and wonders that Jesus performed. The cursing of the fig tree is a warning concerning the judgment of God for those who do not produce good fruit for the kingdom of God. It is reminiscent of Christ’s words from Matthew 7:9 which says, “Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for revealing yourself to me through your holy word. Increase my faith with wisdom and understanding. Help me to live a fruitful and productive life of service to you and your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Lord Is My Light
