The Arkansas Traveler

Matt. 17:14-21; Mark 11:20-24

INTRO: In these passages, we find Jesus using "faith to move mountains" to teach the apostles and us. In the one we find the disciples inability to heal a demoniac. In the other we puzzle about the cursing of a barren fig tree. In both Jesus calls them to faith and promises the moving of mountains.

LET'S FIRST REFLECT ON THE ACCOUNTS

   In Matthew we have the story of the powerlessness of the disciples over the demons. Jesus calls for prayer and fasting and then He talks about mustard seed faith moving mountains.

   In Mark the setting is the Triumphant Entry, the Cleansing of the Temple, and the cursing of the fig tree. Again Jesus calls for faith that will move a mountain.

LET'S CONSIDER SOME MOUNTAINS IN OUR LIFE

   The fear of speaking out on Jesus' behalf

   Trusting God in difficult places and situations

   Waiting on God's timing.

ACTION STEPS

   Recognize the problem

   Call on God for help. He will be waiting.

   Watch for God to be at work around you.

   Expect Him to bring deliverance.

POWER FOR MOVEMENT

   Zecharia 4:6, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord almighty." This is God's promise of the return of the Israelites return to Jerusalem. It was a reminder that God is the POWER behind the victory.

  2 Timothy 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of sound mind."

   So the issue is faith and the source of power.

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by Fred Kerr, Greenville Southern Baptist Church

September 21, 2008

fred.kerr@gmail.com