Faith as small as a mustard seed

FAITH

Have you ever been in a situation when suddenly, without warning, your life seems to be hit by a storm of hurricane proportions (4:37, AMP)? The sea of Galilee was notorious for sudden storms. The disciples knew that waves of that size could overturn their boat and take their lives. Yet, Jesus was asleep (v.38). Sometimes when the storms come it appears that God is not doing anything. He does not seem to be answering your prayers or even listening to you. In times like this, your faith is being tested. Eventually, Jesus calms the storm. He addresses the power behind the storms with words someone might use to a puppy: 'Quiet! Be still!' (v.39), showing he is Lord over nature. For the disciples, the passage starts with fear and ends with faith. A crisis tests your faith. Jesus wants you to learn to conquer your fears and trust him even in the middle of the storms of life. Next, Jesus demonstrates that he is Lord over the powers that try to destroy our lives. Somehow this demonized man (nicknamed Legion, 5:9) had ended up in a hellish place, self-harming (v.5) and chained by society (v.4), whose only answer was to lock him up. That was all they could do. The power of politicians, the state and the police is limited. Jesus did not judge or condemn the man. Rather he saw his potential to live in wholeness. Jesus gave an authoritative command and demonstrated his Lordship and power to set us free and heal us. 

There were two distinct reactions from people to the lordship of Jesus. The first was hostile (v.17).

Commercial interests had been damaged. It can be rather uncomfortable when we see real power operating. On the other hand, some were interested (v.20). one of the fascinating aspects of this story is that after Jesus had healed the demon - possessed man and set him free, the man begged to go with him (v.19). 

I would have thought that this man would have benefited from some intensive follow-up with Jesus! However, Jesus gets him involved in evangelism straight away. He says, 'Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you' (v.19). And that is exactly what he did (v.20). 

Don't be overprotective of people who have recently come to faith. It's sometimes good to get them speaking publicly about their new faith straight away. The next time Jesus came to the Decapolis, 4,000 people came to listen, This man's testimony seems to have had a big impact. Maybe this is why Mark places the story shortly after the parable of the mustard seed. The demoniac may have felt he had little to offer, but his life had a huge impact. Jesus says that God can do a lot with a very small seed – a mustard seed (4:31). 'When planted, it grows' (v.32).

The issue is not how much you have, but what you do with it. A mustard seed needs to be planted in the ground straight away or else it is lost. If it is planted, the growth is so strong it can go through concrete. The lesson is simple: use it or lose it. Use what you have and God will multiply it many times over.

Thank you that you are Lord over all. Thank you that I can trust you in times of crisis and I do not need to fear.

  

Mark 4:30-5:20

Nicky Gumbel