Reference – Mark 11: 13 -14 and 20-25
At first blush these verses seem to show Jesus a little tough on fig trees. After all it wasn’t really the season for figs so of course the tree wasn’t bearing fruit. But this passage actually highlights the extreme power in words spoken in faith.
While it amazed the disciples that the fig tree had withered from the roots in one day after being cursed by Jesus, He points them to greater faith. Jesus shows a connection prevalent in God’s Word … the heart is connected to the tongue. Together they can change the world.
Have faith in God
Don’t doubt in our hearts
Believe what we say
And it will be done
I don’t think this was to be used for a “prosperity gospel” or to get what we want for selfish desires, but rather to teach us that our words make a difference in the world.
Jesus makes the incredible statement that we have such power with words and hearts focused on God that we can move mountains. After all we are created in the image of God who spoke the world into existence.
Jesus brings us farther still when He teaches us a fundamental principle of prayer in this passage … and prayer is one of the finest uses of word power.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.”
When we stand praying … we are to pray from a gentle heart that harbors nothing against anyone. Prayers where we release our tally marks against others so that our own slate can be wiped clean.
Made in the image of God, we hold so much power in our tongues … the words we pour into the world. We have such potential in positive speech but stand in grave risk misusing our words.
Matthew 12:36 and 37
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Abandoning the careless and embracing the higher forms of word power …
What might happen if we prayed for our world?
Forgiving and forgiven … a nation speaking before God.
What kind of word power might we bring?
What kind of mountains could we move?
Let’s talk more … about Word Power
Your thoughts would be most welcome …