Reading scriptures in context aids greatly in understanding and personal application. Here are two examples of verses which the interpretation and application is unclear when read alone. Jesus said in Mark 11:23, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus had been talking about the hindrance of unbelief in the heart - which is the equivalent to an immovable mountain. The God who created the world shakes the earth as He wills can remove unbelief from the hearts of men. Nothing is impossible for God. It is easier to remove mountains than to changes hearts, but God does both without effort.
In Luke 17, Jesus began the chapter speaking of offenses and how it is impossible for them not to occur. He pronounced woe on those who caused offenses, yet exhorted His disciples to forgive others. After they asked Jesus to increase their faith, He responded in Luke 17:6: "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mulberry trees have extensive root systems which extend to the edge of the canopy of the tree. They do have small vertical roots but they are primarily horizontal. People talk about a "vertical" relationship with God and their "horizontal" relationships with people. Interestingly enough, it is in the horizontal relationships with people with whom we tend to have the most unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment. Jesus says if we have only a small amount of genuine faith in God a mulberry tree can be plucked up by the roots and thrown into the sea.
In context, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. I do not believe Jesus said these things because there is a lack of mountains and trees in the sea but there is a great need to remove unbelief and unforgiveness from the hearts of God's people. Faith in God is the key component of removing these seemingly immovable sins which no man can move himself. What is impossible with men is possible with God. Massive mountains and ancient trees cannot provide resistance to the transforming power of our great God. We can have great confidence and expectancy in our God to keep His Word!
In Luke 17, Jesus began the chapter speaking of offenses and how it is impossible for them not to occur. He pronounced woe on those who caused offenses, yet exhorted His disciples to forgive others. After they asked Jesus to increase their faith, He responded in Luke 17:6: "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mulberry trees have extensive root systems which extend to the edge of the canopy of the tree. They do have small vertical roots but they are primarily horizontal. People talk about a "vertical" relationship with God and their "horizontal" relationships with people. Interestingly enough, it is in the horizontal relationships with people with whom we tend to have the most unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment. Jesus says if we have only a small amount of genuine faith in God a mulberry tree can be plucked up by the roots and thrown into the sea.
In context, Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. I do not believe Jesus said these things because there is a lack of mountains and trees in the sea but there is a great need to remove unbelief and unforgiveness from the hearts of God's people. Faith in God is the key component of removing these seemingly immovable sins which no man can move himself. What is impossible with men is possible with God. Massive mountains and ancient trees cannot provide resistance to the transforming power of our great God. We can have great confidence and expectancy in our God to keep His Word!
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