Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Matt. 17:17
The second entrée in our passage is the lesson that without faith it is impossible to please God. How is this lesson learned in this passage? By learning from the converse of what was said.
We often hear sermons about Jesus words in regards to his love, compassion, mercy etc. How many sermons have we heard in which the text is “how long shall I put up with you?” The unbelief that resulted in the disciple’s ineffectiveness prompted these words. Another way to think about this is if you choose to live a life of “little faith”, Jesus has to “put up with you.” Please remember that He will never send you away. He will never leave you or forsake you. But He may have to put up with you.
Hebrews 11:6, one of my favorite verses in the entire Bible, says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” “Faith” in this verse goes beyond the faith by which we are saved as noted by the numerous examples following this verse. Faith, God-pleasing faith, is necessary to quench the flaming arrows of Satan, heal the sick, pray powerfully and effectively, and to overcome impossible barriers, whatever they may be.
Lord, we do not want to put You in the position of having to put up with us. We ask You, the author and perfecter of our faith, to give us the faith that pleases You. Thank You! Amen
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