Faithbase

Yesterday I was preparing the commentary on Mark 11 for Equipaggiati, which is the Italian podcast that is on the Audible platform, and I came across a statement that I think has been misinterpreted or even manipulated by some, and I wanted to share it with you. In verse 22 of Mark 11, it says, have faith in God. Then it continues on 23 and 24, it says, 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. Wow, this is a big statement. So let's interpret it together. Sometimes we encounter passages in scriptures that seem obscure or difficult to understand, and it's always a good practice at that point to refer to another passage that is clear to shed light on the more nebulous ones, allowing scriptures to interpret scriptures. So we ask ourselves, well, is this passage a metaphor, is it proverbial, is it to be taken literally? For example, when Jesus says, I am divine, obviously it's a metaphor. The same goes to the mountain to be moved into the sea. Something so problematic, so big in our lives, that appears to be like a mountain. It could also disappear into the sea. However, Jesus is telling us first to have faith, without which prayer is hindered. But faith in itself is good for nothing, as I could be deeply convinced that I could jump off the roof of this house and land without problems. But most likely being about 40 feet tall, I will get hurt. Then the object of our faith is fundamental. And that is why Christ says, have faith in God. Basically, he's saying to his disciple, I'm telling you to have such great faith in God that you're willing to believe that he can do anything, including moving mountains. Now having said this, there is another interpretation which draws an example of those days. During that period, King Herod did some majestic constructions around the area, including moving dirt to be placed upon an existing mountain to reshape it and form the Herodium Fortress, which with the new height allowed Herod to see Jerusalem, which was about eight miles away from its northern tower. Now he used thousands of slaves to make this 45 acres development, and it was the third largest place in the known world at the time. Going back to the point that Jesus was making in order to avoid any kind of misconceptions, if we look at Christ's example, we see that he is completely confident in the Father. And yet in the Garden of Gethsemane, he says, I know that you can do anything, Father, but if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. So he isn't questioning God's power, but his will. So he's petitioning full of faith, but completely subordinated to God's will. And this is the caveat with the naming and claiming movement or the word of faith doctrine. Let's not be misled by those who say that the reason why our request isn't fulfilled is because of our lack of faith. There is no need to embark in needless belittlement. Did Jesus lack faith in his request? No. Did Paul lack faith in his request of the removal of the thorn in his flesh? No. And yet neither of them received what they wished for. And this is why I was saying earlier that scripture must be interpreted with scripture. If we read 1 Timothy 6.5, we see a strong statement. It says, people with corrupt minds and devoid of truth consider that godliness means gain. And many get carried away by the whims of the law of attraction, which is purely selfish, and the antithesis of the dying to which Christ calls us as the process for sanctification. So faith is critical in our request, yes. But the answers are always subordinate to his will. As we read in 1 John 5.14, which states, and this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. Therefore, if we pray for something that is in God's will, even if it seems as impossible as moving a mountain, it will happen. But if it is not in his will, why would we be so obstinate to want it, or in some cases even demand it as if he was the cosmic dispenser? And why resist his will in our lives? Does he or does he not know what is best for us? Isaiah 55 reminds us that his ways are higher than ours. Guys and gals, as usual, I'm interested in your feedback. So thank you again. Ciao.