December 17, 2021 -- Luke 17:5 -- Increase our faith!

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!'“
Luke 17:5 ESV

Now that is an appropriate response to the teachings of Jesus! He had just instructed them to forgive any brother who had sinned against seven times in the day. He sins. He repents. He asks you to forgive, you must forgive him. Balance that out with the prior teaching if someone comes along and is tempting little ones to sin, that person would be better off—notice that—better off, to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea rather than cause a little one to sin. BTW, a millstone, used to grind wheat, weighs a couple hundred pounds. You’d be instantly dragged to the bottom of the sea. You’d never escape your punishment. Prior to these teachings Jesus noted that the Old Testament, the teachings of Moses and the Prophets are enough to cause someone to repent of their sin and turn to God for salvation. If someone rose from the dead and spoke testifying to God as Lord, that would not be as convincing as the written word!

Increase our faith! That must be our cry also. The simplest acts of obedience required in the Scripture are more than we could ever carry out on our own. That is the point Jesus makes. We are not on our own. When we believe in Him, trusting in Him completely, to change us from the inside out, we are strengthened by His Spirit to conform to the teaching of Jesus. In fact, the words of Jesus become for us, the words of life, precious, sweet and our deepest desire.

Christmas is nearly here. It would be easy to get discouraged and depressed when the day is done. So much hype and expectation, beautiful music and anticipation that the day itself can never fulfil. Consider, dear family in Christ, preparing for January. Plan for worship music that you’ll put on and play regularly. Focus your heart on the return of Jesus Christ—which is ultimately for us today, the truest meaning of Christmas. He Who came a babe in the manger will return, as the Conquering King, the Warrior, Faithful and True, to bring to the Father all who are in His army of salvation.

Jesus, increase our faith, so that we see beyond the celebration of Christmas Day and see You, the King of Glory preparing to return.

Faithful Savior, send Your Spirit to us in ever greater measure so that our hearts are subdued before You, and our willingness to forgive is far quicker and truer.

Jesus, by Your Spirit living in us, increase our faith, so that we hate our sins more and more and repent of them, turning away from them so that we can turn our eyes and our attention more fully on You and the promises of our Father, all of which are “yes” and “amen” because of Your redeeming work.

Jesus, increase our faith, so that our lives will not be filled with idleness but with the joy-filled anticipation of knowing Your return in splendor is closer now than it was even one hour ago. O come, come and return, Immanuel. Amen.

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