Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Faith and Forgiveness B98 Read Mark 11:20-33 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 In this passage Jesus is not giving a formula for cursing fig trees. Rather, He is revealing the principle and priority of life. He is revealing to us the dynamic of a faith priority, the dynamic of a life of faith, so that we will not be cursed like that fig tree. Faith should be the priority of our Christian living. God is calling us to a relationship with Himself, to communion with Him and fellowship with Him. He is calling us to a life of prayer, a life of trust, a life of faith. Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we come to know God. Through daily communion with Him in prayer and reading His word, our faith is built up and grows strong. As we follow Jesus daily, we come to trust Him more. As we grow in that trust and in the knowledge of His word, we come to know His will. And when we know His will, we do not doubt, but we are able to pray in power, knowing the Lord hears us. And when we know His will, we know that those things for which we pray will be done, perhaps not according to our timetable, but they will come to pass. To live a life of faith, we must also live a life of forgiveness. Unforgiveness, which is based on pride, is certainly one mountain that needs to be moved out of the way. Unforgiveness, in itself, is a block to our receiving forgiveness. Verse 26 in our text is also found in the Lord’s Prayer. He says, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father, who is in heaven, forgive your transgressions.” Unforgiveness blocks our relationship with God. God will not forgive us if we do not forgive others. Unforgiveness blocks our faith. It blocks our power in prayer. We can avoid lifeless, fruitless religion by cultivating a life of faith, by developing our relationship with Jesus, by rekindling our first love, by coming to Him in humble repentance, by being willing to forgive and receive His forgiveness. Where are you in your relationship with God right now? Do you see the emptiness of religion without a vital faith relationship with Jesus?