Day 9: Genesis 22-24; Psalm 8; Matthew 8

I read Matthew first today.  Lots of healing in Matthew today.  Did you notice that those who seek healing from Jesus had a few things in common?  First of all, they believed that Jesus could heal them, but their belief wasn't passive.  Belief is active.  They all took action: "A man with a skin disease came....a centurion approached, pleading.....That evening people brought to Jesus..."  Our belief in the healing power of Jesus requires us to act.

But the disciples came to Jesus during the storm.  They acted too and turned to Jesus for help.  Why does Jesus say they have weak faith then? Of course, my thoughts are merely thoughts about this, but their asking for help is different than the others.  The others ask and expect Jesus to heal.  Here, the disciples ask, but then declare: "We're going to drown!"  Their faith seems to need shoring up.  They do know who to turn to, but they still hesitate to completely trust and believe that Jesus is the answer.

Genesis 22 is such a hard chapter, and there is a lot of commentary on it.  One thought I am having this go around with this difficult story is that Abraham questions God when God is going to wipe out Sodom, but no questions here from Abraham...no pleading with God.  I wonder why not.  Does Abraham not know that we can only give back to God what is ours...our own lives...not someone else's?  An interesting parallel between Isaac and Jesus: both are only sons, both carry the wood of their sacrifice, both are obedient, both are saved by the hand of God.  No answers today....merely thoughts and nuggets to contemplate.  What do you hear the Spirit saying to God's people?