December 22, 2008 - According To Your Faith

Meditation on Matthew 9

Jesus would answer our prayers according to our faith and not according to our self- righteousness. How much we believe will determine how much He will do for us. Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic and healed him because of the faith of his friends who carried him to Jesus. What a tremendous comfort to us who care for our suffering friends!

He called Matthew, a tax collector to be His disciple and declared that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

He announced a new standard: Do away with our old custom and religious beliefs but put our faith in Him. (v. 14-17)

As the synagogue ruler believed, his daughter was raised from the dead. As a woman believed, her discharged of blood for twelve years was healed. "Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well." Jesus said to her. (v. 22 ESV)

In the next incidence, Jesus asked the two blind men who came for healing. "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said yes and Jesus touched their eyes, saying "According to you faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. (v. 28)

People were marveled at the power of Jesus because He even caused a mute man to speak.

Today, Jesus is calling us to pray that there may be laborers for His harvest. I believe He wants those who have faith in Him. Only they can be touched with His power to help others.