Faith -- a gift from God

Reflection for the 17th Week after Pentecost, 2022

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

Key Verse: “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Do we have a tough time understanding the story from Luke 17 as Jesus’ followers, disciples, or apostles? Since Jesus is addressing his apostles, it might be helpful for us to know the differences among these three identities. Do you follow influencers on social media to stay updated on their lives? If so, you are their followers. If you start imitating and learning what they do, you are their disciples. And if you join their mission, endorse their principles, abide by their values, commit yourself to their visions to accomplish what they do, you are their apostles.

To take in Jesus’ words to his apostle well, we must think of ourselves as his apostles, not just followers or disciples. After asking for more faith, Jesus said to his apostles that if they had faith that was as small as the size of a mustard seed, it was enough. Did Jesus see a lack of faith in them? Jesus used this as a teaching moment for them to know their position in God’s kingdom just as a slave is to a master. Instead of asking or expecting for more, a slave should know a slave's position under a master.

The concept of ‘slave’ might not sound comfortable since our world views of slavery from the North America are quite different from the Biblical world views of slavery. In the Bible, the word slave and servant are interchangeable since they come from the same biblical word. And the relationship between master and slave/servant is equivalent to the relationship between employer and employee. In general, slaves know their place and don’t expect any special treatment or rewards. Just like in our day, employees know their places and positions that are to fulfill their duty and responsibility.

Since our relationship with God is incredibly unique, a conversation between a child and a parent came to my mind after reading the story from Luke 17:5-10. It goes like this. The child asks, “Can you increase my allowance?” The parent responds, “No! I have given you enough. Did you clean up your room and do what you needed to do?” It is short and straightforward, isn’t it? A child should know one’s place, and a loving parent should know the basic needs of a child.

What is our place or position in God’s Kingdom? Do we accept who we are? Do we humbly submit to God as God’s servant in God’s reign? If you are like me and confess that our God is the Lord of lords and King of kings, accept that we are a hopeless fallen humanity who can’t love and forgive the way we need to make this a better world, and need God’s redemption through the life of Jesus Christ, we know and accept our places. We decide to be Jesus’ followers, disciples, and apostles not because we are expecting special treatment or rewards, but because we know that our relationship with God is established out of God’s love not out of what we have accomplished. We can’t rely on our own efforts and accomplishments to have eternal life. All we need is faith.

Jesus said faith is like a mustard seed. Its size doesn’t matter. What really matters is the existence of faith. So, what is faith? Why does faith matter? It said in Hebrews 11:1 that our trust in God is faith, and it is the foundation that makes our life worth living. And through this faith, we see God’s unconditional love from the beginning of creation to the restoration of our relationships with God and God’s people through Jesus’ cross. It matters to not only some individuals but to all who cannot see the hope that God has promised to give and who haven't experienced the peace that Christ Jesus has given to all believers.

Three weeks ago, at an event I attended, I got a small envelope of marjoram seeds for free as a gift. It has been on my dining table since then. At first, I didn't know how to plant and take care of the plant. I also didn't know how to use this herb because we eat Asian food most of the time, and salad isn’t part of our diet. What the seeds provide isn't what I need. If there is a super good reward associated with the plant, I might try to plant it.

Do you know anyone who doesn't know how precious having faith is? I do. Have you ever felt a lack of faith in you? I have. What do you do when that happens? It is interesting that God has always been doing something to me and for me before I could figure out what to do. Our God is like a loving parent knowing our basic needs and being there for you and me. The seed of faith has been planted in our life through our baptism and our confession. It is a gift from God as it’s mentioned in Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 1:29, and 2 Peter 1:1.

Being a part of a faith community, our faith is watered and nourished repeatedly through listening and reflecting on God’s words and receiving the Holy Communion. By actively engaging in ministries and joining fellowship, our faith moves us to the path that God has paved for us to walk. On the path we walk together, our faith helps us see our brokenness with compassion. Our faith also helps us see goodness and giftedness in each other. We comfort each other, celebrate our life together, and give thanks to God for the gift of faith. May we continue using this gift well, ignite it in our life, and make a life-giving impact in our life together, in our neighborhood, and wherever we are. Amen.