Feb 20 - Possibilities

It is importnat to note regarding today's devotion that 1) preceding the
passage in Mt. 17:20 'nothing shall be impossible unto you' are the words 'if
you have faith.' Faith is a requirement for possibilities. It is
also important to note here that 2) Jesus is speaking to his disciples
concerning the use of spiritual gifts (in this case the casting out of a
demon). He is not saying if you name that 'Lexus' as your own and have
faith, you can claim it. The 'name it and claim it' thinking of some
Christians misses this mark. That kind of thinking is being 'of the world'
instead of 'in the world.' When you read the Divine Possibilities as
listed here by H.C.G. Moule, you see that what is in sight far exceeds a 'Lexus'
or any other material gain. It is the treasures of the Spirit that are
possible for us to possess.

My pastor puts it this way,

"Moving a mountain is a hyperbole, and "nothing will be impossible for you" should not be though of as Christians becoming super-heroes or gods themselves. There are damaging effects of those who interpret these
types of sayings in the Bible (John 14:14 "If you ask anything in My name, I
will do it" being another example) as if this means God will respond to our
every whim or every prayer with a glowing affirmative.

All of these promises are in the context of a mission of redemption.
The 'moving of the mountain' and the 'nothing will be impossible' are in the
context of overcoming death and the evil one in the world. The kingdom
of God will prevail and the Christian's labor in the Lord are not in vain (I
Cor 15:58).

The gentle admonition from the lips of Jesus is quickly followed by
words of encouragment regarding the end result of faith which begins as a
flicker and then produces a great refining flame. Mt. 17:21"

That said, I love the Divine Possibilities listed in today's
devotion. My favorite was "It is possible to see the will of God in
everything, and to receive it, not with sighing, but with
singing."