I don’t know how we can look at the world today and not mourn.
As I write this, we have not only the Covid-19 virus still lingering, but in the U.S., we’ve also seen police brutality, violent protests, riots, and looting.
I can’t help but think Jesus would say the same thing to this world that he said while he walked this earth.
You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? (Matthew 17:17)
The sad thing is that while Jesus no doubt was chiding a broken world which had turned its back on God, he was specifically addressing his disciples and their inability to make a difference in such a world.
Why were they so powerless? Because they had so little faith.
The ultimate solution to this unbelieving and perverse world?
Bring [them] here to me. (17b)
But how many of us truly trust in Jesus’ power to save the world through the gospel which he has entrusted to us?
We may say we believe the gospel is enough to save, but our actions often say we believe otherwise, either by watering it down or failing to preach it at all.
The result? We fail as miserably as the disciples did to make a difference.
Do we preach the message that Jesus gave us?
“Repent of your sins! Stop going your own way!
“The Kingdom of God is near! Submit yourself to your King! He gave his life for you that you might find life! You are only destroying yourselves by going your way! Stop choosing death! Choose life!”
Is this the message we’re preaching? Or are we preaching something else?
We are so quick to preach the love of God.
In times like these, we are also quick to preach the need for justice in the world.
But how quick are we to preach repentance?
Why do we fail to make a difference in this unbelieving and perverse world?
Because of your little faith…For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you. (20-21)
Lord, increase the faith of your people. And let us be faithful to your Word you have given us to preach and live out.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 