Remover of Mountains

Daily Devotional – Monday, January 23, 2023
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
Mark 11:23 (NKJV)

In ancient Judah, some Rabbis were renowned for their high degree of learning and understanding and the virtues they espoused. Such teachers earned themselves the title of ‘remover of mountains’. Imagine ignorance being a towering mountain then envision a rabbi teaching so well that the ignorance dissipates and you will understand this imagery.

Rooter Up of Mountains

Some of the Jewish hearers who thronged Jesus’ meetings must have understood then what He meant by stating:
“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23).

The very idea of removing a mountain and casting it into the sea is inconceivable to the human mind. No human being, including the dead, has witnessed such a miracle, even in their wildest imagination.

Whoever Says to this Mountain

That is why this imagery is appropriate for illustrating the kind of faith that Jesus wants us to have. Such faith respects facts but defies them when necessary. It acknowledges that God is the One Who defines facts and can disregard them to meet the prayer of faith.

It is worth noting, though, that Jesus asks us to address our challenge directly (whoever says to this mountain). The first step in getting a solution to a problem is to define that problem in terms of cause and effects. This action helps us to avoid falling into the same trap a second time.

Moving Mountains Impeded by Doubt

Secondly, Jesus asks us to address a specific mountain not a range of mountains. He does not solve all our problems en masse although that is what we desire. Our weaknesses and deficiencies, however undesirable, are critical for building total trust and reliance on God.

There is a condition, though, upon which we become effective mountain movers. We must nor doubt our ability to make the impossible possible by faith. Because it is God who promises and He is not limited us we are, we must believe before we see the fulfilment of our desires.

Remover of Mountains

God has an assurance for every remover of mountains. This person will have whatever he or she wants! Academic excellence. A happy family. A fulfilling career. A healthy body. Material prosperity. Spiritual wellbeing. Name them.

Do you want to become a remover of mountains and to have everything you want? Trust fully in “Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” (Ephesians 3:21).

Prayer
Lord Jesus, increase my faith and make me a remover of mountains.