Passage of the Day:
When evening came, Jesus and his disciples[e] went out of the city. 20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly[f] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins,” Mark 11:19-25.
Reflection:
According to C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, faith is the second Theological virtue based upon the teaching of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13. The context of today’s featured passage occurs during Jesus’ last year on earth. Once Jewish leaders decided they wanted to eliminate the threat Jesus poised to their religious ways, fleeing the city at night was necessary to stay alive. Mark reflects upon a previous event where Jesus points to the potential of faith. Depending upon your degree or level of faith, the spiritual possibilities are unlimited, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Yet, when believe withers like this fig tree, faith falls flat on its face.
Prayerful Action:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock,” Matthew 7:24-25.
Fueling Your Faith this Spiritual Season:
As a former cross-country runner and swimmer, I understand the importance of training. If I wanted to improve each year, I needed to push my body beyond what I thought was possible, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. In the same manner, if you want to reach your full potential spiritually, you have to develop a similar mindset, 1 Timothy 4:7-8. The fig tree in today’s passage is symbolic of the spiritual potential Christians can experience when faith is ignited. When belief and faith are united by denouncing thoughts of doubt, Christians can move the mountains currently blocking God’s calling and will for your life.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Today’s song addresses the daily obstacles which limit faith. May the lyrics of the classic song inspire you to run the race of faith by throwing off anything that is hindering your spiritual journey, Hebrews 12:1-3.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 