August 19

Luke 17:5-10 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

"...when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servatns; we have only done our duty.'" (Luke 7:10)

Observation

Apostle requested to have their "faith increased". This is a noble request. This shows the commitment and desire to do more for the master. However, the response of Jesus is very peculiar. He said, "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed..." I see this as a rebuking statement rather than an encouraging words.
When apostles asked for "increase of faith", it was in response to Jesus' challenge for the apostles to "forgive" even 7 different times if that person sins and asks for forgiveness. I would have taken the same approach where "having more faith" will surely help me to "forgive" the "unforgiveable".
Here, Jesus is pointing out it's not the "faith" that is in question, but our "obedience" and to follow his teachings. I tend to forget that I am "unworthy" and "undeserving" of God's grace, mercy, and love. Only because God loves me, that I am saved. However, I forget who I am. I trick myself to think that somehow I am "worthy" and "deserving" because I "do" and "obey" little of what He had commanded.
As Jesus pointed out, it is nothing to boast about in doing what "I am supposed to do".

Application

As the sinner who did not "deserve" or "worthy", doing little of what God requires of me, I need to remind myself that doing such thing is "normal", not out of "ordinary". It is not something to be recognized about. Rather, I need to open my eyes and my minds to understand that "pleasing" God is not only in doing "great" work for God's kingdom, but also in doing mundane everything things in obedience. I shall view little things and everyday so called "mundane" things as being "obedient" to God and enjoy walking with Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, first of all, forgive me that I have thought "highly" of myself than as "servant". Thank you for opening my eyes and minds to see that you are pleased in my "obedience" rather than my "sacrifice." Help me to "obey" you and do what is required of me rather than not "obeying", but asking to "increase my faith" alone. Thank you for such a reminder in my life. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen.

--KC