At Church the Pastor is encouraging the individuals of the Church to “partake” in the Church (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV). One of the illustrations of the energy, time, and effort needed to be involved in the Church comes from Mark 11:23. This is where Jesus tells Peter that if Peter prays for the Mountain to fall into the sea then it would be done.
Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Mark 11:23 ESV
The Pastor using the ESV translation highlighted the words “come to pass” and then asked how many of us would go back day after day believing and praying for the mountain to move into the sea. My heart was challenged by such words. I have never seen these words from Jesus in this light. I was raised on the NIV and there the translation says “will happen” and those words have always left on me the impression that the answer will happen right then. Yet that is not what Jesus said, but it is typical of western culture that expects instant results. Some prayers will be answered quickly, but some as monumental as a mountain falling into the sea may happen over time. This statement from Jesus is also found in Matthew 21 and the same word is used in both gospels – γίνομαι. The meaning of this word is “to become”, or “begin to be” conveying the idea of the start of a transformation.
The greatest “come to pass” moments are those of salvation and I have seen this transformation come about through persistent prayer and consistent love toward an individual who did not know Jesus. This transformation has taken months or decades for some, and I am still in prayer for others. Yet I come before God year over year prevailing upon Him and His promise that those He has placed in my life will be transformed. Once the prayer has started I know that the transformation is in progress and the “will come to pass” is only a matter of time.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
Father it is my prayer that I would not give up, because of rejections, hardship, or frustrations. I pray for your mercy to change me to love my neighbor so that I will desire to pray for them, serve them, and share you with them. I pray Father that you would break down the barriers that prevent them from hearing your gospel. I pray that they would see you for who you are, Creator, Savior, Father, and Lord. I pray that they will repent and turn to you for a relationship that abandons selfish desire, but puts you first in the life that you have given to begin with. Father work this out in your timing according to your perfect plans. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
