Today's Reading:Genesis 35:1-36:43
Luke 8:22-39
Psalms 13:1-6
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Focus Verses:
Luke 8:24-25
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Insight:
Even in the presence of Jesus, the disciples were overcome with fear as they experienced this life-threatening storm. When they cried out to Jesus he amazed them by calming the wind and waves. When the storm subsided at Jesus' command, the disciples were overcome with a different kind of fear and awe. "Who is this?" they asked. "What kind of man is this who holds authority over nature?"
Jesus had a question for them too. As they marveled at his power, he asked, "Where is your faith?" There are two ways I can interpret that question. The first is to take it as, "Don't you have any faith?" The second possibility is, "Where are you placing your faith?"
Response & Action:
If I don't have any faith, surely the testimony Jesus' miraculous power should provoke me to reconsider. I need to ask myself, "Who is this Jesus?" If he is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the one announcing and demonstrating the authority and promise of the Kingdom of God, then my faith in him is very well-placed.
O God, in a world of wind and waves, I cry out to you. I ask you to help me see clearly the present power and future hope that you extend to me through Jesus. Help me to put my faith and trust in him. Amaze me as I give witness to his redemptive and saving power in my life. Encourage me as I hold to the promise of his Kingdom coming in all it's fullness. Bring the day when you will wipe away all tears from our eyes—the day your Kingdom comes and your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Resources:
Faith & Doubt
by John Ortberg
