“Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole”

 “Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

                 Interruptions are frustrating, aren’t they? Interruptions might slow us down or even stop us from doing what we’d planned to do. Someone has said that we ought not to be so frustrated by interruptions. Perhaps it is that this is the time God wants us to slow down and reconsider our plans.  I’m not sure we could say that is true for every interruption, but perhaps this observation has some merit on occasions when God’s providence is at work.

            Have we ever noticed how often Jesus was interrupted in His work? One such interruption came in Mark 5:21-43. After Jesus returned from Gadara, on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, He was met by a great crowd. Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue, fought the people to ask Christ to heal his daughter, who was very sick (v. 23). As Jesus traveled to Jairus’ house, a lady who’d been stricken with illness for 12 years came to Him and touched the hem of his garment for healing (v. 28-29).

            Her action stopped Jesus. It interrupted the trip to Jairus’ house at that moment. Her action wasn’t unknown to Jesus. He is God and knows all (Jn. 2:25, 6:64; Acts 15:18; Heb. 4:13). His question to her wasn’t unlike the question God asked in the Garden (Gen. 3:9). His question caused her to stop, and she confessed to what she had done when she interrupted Him (Mk. 5:33).

            Notice Christ’s response to this lady. “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace and be whole of thy plague” (Mk. 5:34). This interruption did more than stop Jesus. It allowed Him to do some vital teaching. In this account, He taught the apostles, and teaches us!

            What does Christ teach us in Mark 5? He teaches us that the faith that saves isn’t merely a mental assent. If this woman had stated her belief to others that Jesus could heal her, it would have done nothing for her. She had to act! James teaches us the same truth when he declares, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (Jas. 2:24) and “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26)!

            When we study this short but powerful interruption, we see a woman who definitely believed that Jesus is the Son of God. This is why she decided to go and meet Jesus. She fought the crowd (Mk. 5:27). She reached for Christ’s garment (Mk. 5:28), trusting that even to touch His garment meant healing. Later, she confessed what she did (Mk. 5:33). In response, Jesus commended her, saying, “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (Mk. 5:34).

            Yes, friends, the faith that saves is the faith that obeys! It motivates us to act when we might not have acted otherwise. This is Bible faith! Do you have Bible faith? If not, why not? Without this, we can’t please God (Heb. 11:6). How do we get such faith? Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), and then this faith grows by being exercised (Heb. 11; Rom. 16:1-15)! What kind of faith do you have? Is it living or dead (Jas. 2:26)? Are we acting on our faith as the woman did in Mark 5, or are we too afraid?

“Twelve Baskets, Seven Baskets”

“Twelve Baskets, Seven Baskets”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

      On two occasions, Jesus fed a multitude of people. We estimate that 10,000 or more people were fed, based on Mark 6:44 and Mark 8:8. I’m sure we’ve heard and read about these miracles in the past. In Mark 6, we learn that Jesus fed 5000 men (not counting women and children, Matt. 14:21), and in Mark 8, he said Jesus fed 4000. This was done with a tiny amount of food in comparison to those who needed to be fed. In Mark 5, Jesus fed the multitude with five barley loaves and two small fish, while in Mark 8, we read that Jesus had seven loaves and a few fish.

            The miracle of feeding significant numbers with a small amount of food is a wonderful event worthy of our awe and respect. Feeding 5000+ (Matt. 14:21) motivated some people to want to force Christ to be a king (Jn. 6:15). Yet, this wasn’t the point of the miracle(s). Feeding these great numbers should have brought the people’s minds back to events that happened in Old Testament days. One such example is what Elisha did in II Kings 4:42-44. God’s anointed was walking the earth!

            Of course, Christ’s compassion motivated Him to feed the people (Mk. 6:34, 8:2), and at the same time, this miracle would show people again that He is the Son of God, not merely a good teacher or a good leader. However, what gets my attention is that both times the miracle was performed, there were leftovers! Can you imagine this? Just having enough food to feed more than one person was something. Then to think of His ability to feed the people until they were full (Mk. 6:42, 8:8) is a miracle! We read in Scripture that there was not only food, but enough to fill the people, and so much food that there were leftovers! Amazing! Praise be to God!

            Could there be any significance to the fact that one miracle produced leftovers that filled twelve baskets while another filled seven baskets? Jesus didn’t say much about the result of those miracles except the time He chastised the apostles for not understanding what He meant by “the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6-12, Mk. 8:14-21). However, could there be something worth considering when we think of the numbers 12 and 7? I am willing to discuss this, but could it be that twelve baskets were left so that the twelve apostles had something they could touch and remember? John 6:5-7 gives us some insight into the apostles’ attitude, and it seems they doubted how the people would get fed anyway. “Two hundred pennyworth” (nearly a year’s wages) wasn’t enough to feed everyone, Philip estimated. Thus, at the end of the miracle, each apostle had participated in feeding the people and still walked away with a basket of food!

            The feeding of the 4000 resulted in seven baskets of leftovers (Mk. 8:8). To the Jews, “7” represented perfection. The perfect number of baskets leftover certainly would be the “perfect” end to a miracle where so many were fed.

            Even if you disagree with the application I made, I know we can all agree that Jesus is the One who can supply our needs (Matt. 6:25-33). He made it abundantly clear that He could provide for the people’s needs, ensuring they would be well-fed for their journey home. Jesus lived on this earth for 33 years, and He knows man’s physical and spiritual needs (Heb. 4:15). Blessing people with goods to where they had leftovers reminds me of God’s promise in Malachi 3:10 to His people as well.

            Jesus came to this world that men might “have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10:10). Isn’t the feeding of 5000 and 4000 object lessons of this truth? If Christ can provide abundant physical food, can we not also have abundant spiritual blessings? I believe so! Jesus has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). Are we appreciative? Have we noticed what He has provided? Indeed, we have access to so much in the Lord that the “leftovers” are more than anyone could fathom!

            Are you a Christian? If not, why not? The chasm and blackness that fills your soul can be filled and enlightened when you come to the Lord for salvation (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16)! Living the life of a Christian is a beautiful blessing wherein we have “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Cor. 4:17). Do you believe the miracles occurred concerning the feeding of the masses? If so, what is stopping you from partaking of the spiritual food and spiritual water that can sustain you for eternity (Jn. 6:48-58)? Indeed, this is available in unlimited supply! 

“He Preached The Word To Them”

 “He Preached The Word To Them”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

        Mark 2:3-12 records the miracle of the lame man “borne of four” and lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus. I am very impressed with this miracle and impressed with the lesson behind it (v. 9-10). However, have you ever considered why the men lowered their friend through the roof? They had to do this because they could not get their friend through the front door (v. 2, 4)! Before they brought their friend to meet Jesus and be healed, Jesus had entered the house in Capernaum. When He taught the people, they filled the house, leaving no room for anyone else (v. 1-2).

            As I thought about the full house, it brought to mind two lessons:

What Jesus Brought To The People.

            Jesus did not come to Capernaum with bags of gold. He did not offer people freedom from enemies or some scheme for getting rich quickly. He came to Galilee, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” (Mk. 1:14). I am particularly impressed with the book of Mark and how it emphasizes the word of Christ. Twenty-two times in sixteen chapters, we read about Christ’s work in spreading God’s truth. Some of the words used to describe Christ’s work include: “Taught” (9x); “preached” (2x); “preach” (1x); “teach” (4x); “teaching” (2x); and “doctrine” (4x). Jesus brought the people the truth (Jn. 17:17)! He made a point of telling as many people as possible about the “gospel of the kingdom.” May we learn a lesson from Christ in this. What is on our lips? Do we take the time to tell someone about the Lord? If not, why not? Only through Christ will any man have salvation (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12)!

What Interest Do We Show In Christ’s Teaching?

            I am also impressed when I read passages like Mark 2:1-2 because I see a generation of people who genuinely took an interest in the truth being taught. I hear about similar responses in foreign countries such as the Philippines, Colombia, China, and other places today, and for that, I am thankful. Yet, as a citizen of America, I wonder about those of us in the USA! What level of interest are we showing in God’s word? As Christians, is God’s word still our “first love”? Are we hungering and thirsting for the truth (Matt. 5:6)? If not, why not? Only the doctrine of Christ can bring salvation (Rom. 1:16; Mk. 16:15)! Only the doctrine of Christ reveals from whence we have come, why we are here, and where we are going when this life is over! There is no other nourishment for the soul (I Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14). Is it any wonder that people in the first century flooded the house where Jesus was? They wanted spiritual nourishment! Do we appreciate God’s spiritual nourishment?

            Having carefully considered the above, the next step is to apply what we have learned. These two elements go together like a hand in a glove. First, what are we teaching people? Do we know God’s word well enough to tell it to others? It’s high time we woke up from our sleep and got busy learning the Word, and tell the truth to others (Heb. 5:12-14). Many in the good ol’ U.S. of A want to hear the truth but don't know where to look. Too many so-called churches focus on everything except what truly matters, and some believers care more about social events or community approval than the salvation message (Rom. 1:16).

            Have we ever considered that if we refocused on the most important thing – the truth – we would attract people now, just as Christ did then? The gospel has the same power it has always had. Could it be, though, that we have lost faith in it?

            Let us remember what Christ brought to the people and their interests. These things are inseparable! Paul encouraged the same thing when he taught Timothy to “preach the word” (II Tim 4:2)! Are we willing to follow in the Lord’s footsteps? I am convinced we have not worn out the Lord’s way yet! Let’s go back to that and see the blessings that come when we do things the Lord’s way!

“The Language Of Ashdod”

 “The Language Of Ashdod”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

                  Nehemiah left the king’s palace to help the people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Through his leadership, they were rebuilt in 52 days (Neh. 6:15). Nehemiah, however, had not left Xerxes’ court indefinitely. He had promised to return (Neh. 2:6) and did. After a time, Nehemiah returned to his people in Jerusalem (Neh. 13:6). He was very disappointed at what he found when he returned. Among other things, Nehemiah saw that the men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. As a result, their children were raised to speak the “language of Ashdod” (Neh. 13:23-24).

            In our age of multiculturalism, someone might ask why this was an issue. Why was Nehemiah upset? Shouldn’t Nehemiah have encouraged the people to embrace the vibrant fabric of all cultures that make up the tapestry of humanity? What we find in the Bible is that not all cultures are worthy of emulation or respect. In our study, we see that Nehemiah lists the reasons why marrying those foreign wives was a cause for shame.

            First, it was an issue because since the children spoke in the “language of Ashdod,” they could not speak in the Jews’ language (Neh. 13:24). Why is this significant? Remember that “the Jews’ language,” i.e., Hebrew, was the language of revelation in those days. Therefore, if the children could not speak in Hebrew, then they could not understand the word of God, nor teach it to their children as God intended (Deut. 6:1-9, 11:19)!

            Nehemiah condemned this act, calling it a “great evil” (Neh. 13:27). No doubt, this is because of what God had said in Deuteronomy 7. A passage, incidentally, which had been read to them not that long ago (Neh. 8:1-8). He also reminded them of what had happened to Solomon when he married the “strange women” during his reign (Neh. 13:26; I Kings 11). These “outlandish women” caused him to sin, and the point he was making is that these women were doing the same to the men in Jerusalem! Not only had they caused the men to sin, but they had so influenced the children that they could not even speak in “the Jews’ language” to understand what God had said and what needed to be done to please God!

            What lessons can we learn from this event (Rom. 15:4)? Let me suggest that even though there is not a specific statement about Christians marrying Christians, as the Jews had, unmarried Christians need to take a good, hard look at the character of the person they want to marry. Is the person you want to marry a Christian? If not, why not? Is the person you want to marry someone who believes in God? Does he/she have any moral bearings whatsoever? Is the person you want to marry someone who wants to go to Heaven? Our world pushes the superficial (looks, money, fame, etc.) and makes this seem to be the most essential factor. Not so! Our children need to be taught to look beyond superficial things and see the real person. Is this someone who will help me raise my children so we can go to Heaven (Eph. 6:4)?

            It is sad to see Christians who do not look past the superficial. They then marry someone who has no interest in spiritual matters. While a spouse who is a strong Christian might survive in this environment, often, the children are the ones who suffer. Perhaps they are not taught God’s word or are taught by one parent while the other scoffs, since this parent is not familiar with God’s “language” (to borrow a metaphor). In my short life, I can give you a long list of children who grew up with only one parent as a Christian, and they are not faithful today. The worldly parent seemed to sway the children more than the Christian (the reasons vary), and the children walked away from God. The children know nothing of God’s word, His truth, His mercy, etc. They speak “the language of Ashdod” when talking about spiritual truth. They only know, “this is what my mom (or dad) believed.”

            While no specific New Testament passage exists that strictly forbids a Christian from marrying a non-Christian, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences. More often than not, such marriages lead to heartache and lost souls. Some non-Christians convert and live happily with faithful children (I Pet. 3:1-6), but these are exceptions. Most spouses don't have that experience. Unmarried Christian, don’t assume it won’t happen to you! Are you willing to risk your or your future children's souls on an exception? I’m not! Nehemiah wisely condemned such actions. We need more like him today.

“Where Could I Go But To The Lord?”

 “Where Could I Go But To The Lord?”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

           In old song I grew up singing had the above title. In every verse, after naming friends, and nice things we might see in this life, the writer declares that when we face difficulties in life, we must ask the question, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” * This is a good question that demands a response from all of us. Where could I go but to the Lord? Truly, there is no one else who loves us like He does. There is no one else who is interested in saving us from sin. There is no one else who cares for us, wanting us to cast all of our care upon Him (I Pet. 5:8). Where could I go but to the Lord?
Some folks have tried to turn to others for the solutions to life’s problems, but they have been disappointed every time. Our Lord Jesus Christ does not disappoint. It is interesting that when I read the Bible, I see that Peter recognized he could not go to anyone else if he wanted to have eternal life. In John 6, we see that after Jesus had taught the people about His being the “bread of life,” and had told them things that they did not really want to hear, the Bible says, “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (Jn. 6:66). When the people left, Jesus turned to His disciples asking if they were also going to leave Him (Jn. 6:67). In answer to Christ’s question, Peter responded: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). In this answer, we see the answer to our needs as well! To whom shall we go? There is no one else who has the words of eternal life. There is no one else who loves us with the magnitude that Christ does. There is no one else who would so willingly sacrifice for those who are so unworthy (Matt. 20:28; Rom. 5:8; I Pet. 1:18-19). Knowing these things are true, then where could I go but to the Lord?

         In the Psalms, David expressed a similar thought when he said, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee” (Ps. 73:25). David’s inspired expressions reveal a side of him that ought to be true in each one of us. Our true desire upon earth ought to be for Christ and for pleasing Him. Like the deer that pants for the water (Ps. 42:1), we need to long for the Lord! In this life, and even beyond this life, to whom can we turn except to the Lord? No one has control in this life (Prov. 27:1). No one can tell what might happen in the next few seconds! Therefore, let us cling tightly to the Lord for our strength and refuge (Ps. 46:1). In addition to this, no one is prepared for death and for eternity if we have turned our backs upon the Lord! We are told that “now is the accepted time” and “now is the day of salvation” for a reason (II Cor. 6:2). Yet, who is it that will save us? There is only One who can save us, and this is the One who said He came to give His life as a “ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Where could I go but to the Lord?

         Friends and brethren, let us take a moment for some self-examination. Have we become so self-sufficient that we think we can handle all of our problems and solve all difficulties? James 5:13 reminds us that regardless of our state, we must turn to the Lord and lean on Him. There, it says, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Regardless of our outward circumstances, whether in joy or in heaviness, we need to be leaning upon Christ. Sing to Him! Pray to Him! In all things, lean upon Him! Where could I go but to the Lord? Christ deserves our praise and thanks when times are good. He deserves our trust and faithfulness when times are bad. Let us say with David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). May we never become so self-sufficient that we take no comfort in the things of the Lord!

Conclusion

          “Where could I go, O where could I go, Seeking a refuge for my soul? Needing a friend to save me in the end, where could I go but to the Lord?”* are the words of the chorus of this great song. Where else can we go but to the Lord? Do we trust in Him? Are we living a faithful life to His honor and glory (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10)? Our pilgrimage in this life is a short one (Jas. 4:14; I Pet. 2:11), and it demands that we place Christ first in our lives. When we do not, we set ourselves up for numerous problems. Are you in the Lord (Gal. 2:20, 3:27-29)? Where else can we go?

*“Where Could I Go?” Coats, J.B., Copyright 1940, Stamps-Baxter

“No Matter What!”

 “No Matter What!”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

               The sentiment above was expressed by the three Hebrews when they faced Nebuchadnezzar and declared that, regardless of what he did to them, they would not bow down to the image he had made (Dan. 3:17-18). In essence, they said, “No matter what you do to us, we will not forsake the God of Heaven and bow down to your idol.”

            Some years later, an aged Daniel expressed the same sentiment when he prayed to the God of Heaven even after he knew a law had been drafted which outlawed prayer to God (Dan. 6:9-10). He knew the consequence for praying to God was being cast into the lion’s den (Dan. 6:7), but he prayed anyway. His action this day said, “No matter what the law is, I will be faithful to God.”

            The apostles showed this same resolve when they stood before the Sanhedrin telling them, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Regardless of the threats made against them (Acts 4:17-18); regardless of the imprisonment (Acts 4:3, 5:18); the apostles declared through word and deed in those early days that “No matter what, we will obey God and will spread the gospel message.” “We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

            In like manner, let us as Christians, those who have believed on Christ, repented of our sins, and been baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38), remember that we have responsibilities and duties which we must accept and obey, “No matter what!”

            In the first century, Christians did not have the freedoms we possess, yet they remained faithful to God (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). Today, it is also true that there are Christians who do not have the freedoms we possess, and they remain faithful to God. Therefore, it is necessary that we, God’s children in America, remain faithful to Him when, in addition to being Christians, we also have freedoms provided for us in the Constitution of this nation.

            Let us resolve that regardless of what men might do (or not do), we will be faithful to the God of Heaven as His children. “No matter what,” we must follow the Lord’s will because those of us who are Christians have a citizenship that is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20). We submit to the King of kings “no matter what” others may do.