Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear people.

Something strange is afflicting Tazzy that made him resistant to going with me on my jog excursion this morning—so I went alone. Apparently he is not feeling entirely well.

In view of my big list, I’d better keep moving in pursuit. May you be blessed in pursuit of your list today.

Love and prayers. Ray.

The KJV renders that rhetorical question as, “Where is your faith?”—and could leave us hanging with the question, “Faith in what?” I cannot believe that Jesus intends to promote a nebulous faith-in-faith kind of faith—or a “when you wish upon a star” kind of faith. So I appreciate Brian Simmons’ scholarly and reasonable translation (The Passion Translation) of this question which Jesus puts to His disciples after they were all freaked out amidst the squall that kicked up while they navigated across the Sea of Galilee. The interpretation as “Faith in ME” focuses on the essential and practical object of effective and meaningful faith. It’s all Him—it all hinges on Him. And true followers of the true Jesus Christ recognize and live by the overarching truth that JESUS IS GOD. It cannot be otherwise.

Be reminded of the loud and clear Biblical exclamation that every human being who has ever lived is destined to one day attest to the validity of this thesis—“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:9-11, NIV).

I cannot imagine a chapter of the Bible containing more convincing evidence to support this truth-claim. We’re presented with four dramatic miracles that can only be explained as manifestations of Sovereign God.

1. Verses 22-25 show Jesus as LORD OVER THE ELEMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL WORLD by silencing that storm.
2. Verses 26-39 show Jesus as LORD OVER THE REALM OF EVIL SPIRITS by delivering that man from a horde of demons.
3. Verses 43-48 show Jesus as LORD OVER SICKNESS AND DISEASE by healing a woman afflicted with a condition of constant bleeding.
4. verses 49-56 show Jesus as LORD OVER DEATH by raising Jairus’ daughter to life soon after she had clearly died.

In practical and personal application of this vital point, I’m thinking that I am wise to store this same question in my heart for when I despair or fear over anything from my environment that messes up my personal trust and peace—prepared to ask myself this test question: “Have you lost your faith in Jesus?”