Size Doesn't Matter
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. (Luke 17:5-6)
In Luke 17:1-4, Jesus explained to the disciples that they should be careful not to cause anyone to stumble in faith and that they must forgive everyone who repents. In response to these challenging instructions, the disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. They want to be able to do what Jesus is asking them to do, but they know their own weaknesses. Their request was very reasonable!
Jesus' response is laughable if taken literally - uprooting a tree and planting it in the sea. But it makes sense when we understand that Jesus is saying that it's not about how much faith we have, but in whom we place it. The least amount of faith placed in the most powerful God can yield amazing results. We may have no need or desire to toss a tree into the ocean, but casting our doubts, fears, and sins into the sea of forgetfulness encourages our souls and makes room for the wholeness that Christ brings.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. (Psalm 37:3-6)
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