A FAILURE OF FAITH IS OFTEN A FAILURE OF REASON

I had been told that in order to believe, we have to shut down thinking and reasoning. Instead, it seems like rational reasoning is an essential aspect of faith. Jesus had criticized His disciples for their “little faith,” but right afterwards, He described it

as a “failure to understand”:

• "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." (Matthew 16:8-11 ESV)

They had been unable to comprehend the significance of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the five thousand and then the four thousand. They should have been able to understand that the availability of bread was not an issue for a Person who could miraculously produce meals for thousands. Instead of their bread, Jesus was concerned about their beliefs and whether they’d be influenced by the teachings, the leaven, of the Pharisees.

The disciples had been unable to think clearly enough to simply add two and two and to comprehend that our physical status is not a prime concern when we are in Jesus. Instead, it’s a matter of what we believe/understand. We tend to be overly concerned with what we will eat, clothe ourselves, successes, what people think, and even our health. Instead, we are to seek first the righteousness of our Savior (Matthew 6:33).

I should already believe/understand that Jesus will take care of me. He’s done this so many times already. I should already know and believe that He will continue to work things together for my good in the future. Among other things, I suffer from a failure to understand this simple revelation.

Instead, I’m like those who Jesus had charged with having little faith. I become fearful like others who don’t know any better. I stew over fears about my health, failings, or just making my appointments on time. Shouldn’t I remember that “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11)?

·       What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)

What is the answer? Jesus beckoned His disciples to remember how feeding the multitude had not been a problem. Then we have to continue to meditate on things so that we might begin to understand and re-understand that if God is for us, the various threats that we face are not important. Why not? Because He is able to provide!