Luke
17:1-10 —The
apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Savior responds in reminding us
that even a little faith is a lot. This might catch some off guard. Like the
disciples, many of us are eager for a larger portion of faith – the faith to
guide people aright, faith to forgive, faith to serve just for the privilege.
As we face the tough issues of life, we cry out for more faith. No one can
honestly say, ‘I have all the faith in the world.” If we really have faith do
we need more? Jesus corrects the disciple’s desire for more faith. He says the
quantity or degree of faith does not matter. It is sufficient just to have
faith. The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes that the smallest amount of
faith can do wonders.
The Lord reminds us (v.6) that the amount of faith is
not as important as the exercise of the faith they already have. Even a small
faith enables Christians to do their duty toward fellow Christians. Faith is
instrumental, for through faith the power of Christ becomes effective in the
believer’s life. Good works always flow from faith. But these good works should
not make Christians proud and lead them to expect recognition from others or
from God. Faith is a gift of God and so are the good deeds that spring from
faith. Christians succeed in forgiving and in not giving offense only by the
grave of God. Why should they expect God to thank them? He does not owe us
anything. Besides, our good works are still imperfect, and in doing them we are
only doing our duty as God’s servants. (Vv.7-10)
Collect for Proper Twenty-two: O God, our refuge and strength, the author
of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that
those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. [2]
Collect for Friday of the week of Pentecost 16: O God, who didst send Thy Son, that he who by a tree in Eden once overcame mighty likewise by a tree outside the city gates be overcome, speak Thou in Christ Thy Word to us, and in him go with us to Thy triumph.[3] -30 September, 2022
[1]The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Collect for Proper 22, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
[3] Collect for Friday of the week of Pentecost 16, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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