More On “A Few Things”

Yesterday we talked about “a few things” in reference to faith.

I find the Greek word for “few things” to be intriguing. Notice the corrolation with small things, few in number: fishes. And we know what Jesus did with the loaves and the fishes!

Greek for “a few”: ὀλίγα (oliga) Strong’s Greek 3641: Puny; especially neuter somewhat.

Matthew 15:34 Adj-ANP
GRK: Ἑπτά καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια
NAS: Seven, and a few small fish.
KJV: Seven, and a few little fishes.
INT: Seven and a few small fish

Mark 8:7 Adj-ANP
GRK: εἶχον ἰχθύδια ὀλίγα καὶ εὐλογήσας
NAS: had a few small fish;
KJV: And they had a few small fishes: and
INT: they had small fish a few and having blessed

This is the same Greek word used in Matthew 25:23 wherein Jesus promises reward to those servants faithful with the “few things” He gives them. Notice in the Parable of the Talents we aren’t each one given the same number. God knows what He expects of us. We should expect no less, nor no more from ourselves. I find it comforting that included in the definition is “puny.” Yes, my “works” so often feel puny. But God. God knows our frame, as the psalmist says, that we are but dust. My faith is so little–but God is so big.

There is a colloquialism found in Regency era literature. When a person is assured of something, the expression used was it is “sure and certain”–to be true. Biblical faith knows sure and certain God’s Word is true. Remember it is faith that pleases God. So even if we feel our faith is puny, God can see it as sufficient. When many believers are being faced with life altering choices due to medical mandates and lifestyle requirements, it is a time to fall back on the basics of our faith: assurance for the things hoped for and certainty for things unseen. If I say to you “I give you my word . . . ,” the implication is that my entire integrity stands behind that statement/promise. God has given us His word, The Word, to tell us what He will do for us if we trust Him to do it. Now is a time to saturate ourselves in the Word of Truth like never before. For those who are responsible for providing for family members times are difficult for sure: jobs, schooling, access to medical care and even food are threatened. Families are divided. Decisions going forward must be based on God’s truth and His will for each person’s life.

Have you ever wondered why the Armor of God (Ephesians 6) is predominately defensive in nature? Once having clothed ourselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and having lifted up the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, we are instructed to stand firm. Isn’t that interesting. God doesn’t call us to charge forth and storm the battlefield; the battlefield comes to us. His is our fortress, our shield, our buckler, our Sword. Ours is to be assured that the hoped for victory is certain, even if we don’t see it. Ours is to trust that God fights for us; like Moses we have only to stand still.

Be encouraged, dear one, time for our rescue draws near. Stand firm, let your faith be fixed on the promises of God. Silence the voice of our enemy that would instill fear and doubt. Use Scripture to “. . .destroy arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Maranatha!

A Few Things

‘You have done well. You are a good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will put many things in your care. Come and share my joy.’ Matthew 25:23 (Parable of the Talents)

We tend to compare ourselves to those who do numerous deeds for God, especially those who reap a mighty harvest of souls for God (evangelists), serve on the mission field, or work with the poor, the 5 talent ones–or even the 2. But could there be additional “few things” God is talking about? Could it be “few things” also include our lifelong trials and tribulations that we must endure in faith and loyalty to God?

In my 40 plus years of being a follower of Christ I have tried to live a Godly life and do the kinds of things God asks of us. In spite of those things, however, I feel as if I am entering heaven empty handed. I don’t feel as if I have anything, at all, to offer up to Jesus–with the exception of the crown of righteousness that is reserved for those who long for His appearing. And this is primarily because I don’t see results.

There is a tendency I think among Christians (or is it just me?) to equate rewards-worthy deeds with souls saved and or quantifiable charitable works. If we don’t have a list to present, then we have little to show for our lives? I know the fallacies with this thinking, but it creeps in nevertheless. What I want to explore is the possibility that I have it wrong. Given the opportunity deeds/works are, of course, important; however, with the exception of salvation, an act of God alone, anyone can do deeds. So why the distinction? They aren’t the main thing. Faith is. What is it that pleases God? Faith. Always faith. Without faith it is impossible, see that? impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is the asssurance of what we hope for, the certainty of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1, Strongs). When are we called to exercise faith? When we are tempted not to. Ok, I see you looking at me askance. But think of it. When are we tempted to doubt God, doubt God’s goodness, provision, deliverance, protection, love, enablement? When He asks something hard of us, when our circumstances shout accusations and denials against Him. When we don’t see Him moving–or protecting, or providing, or rescuing, fill in the blank. As a favorite pastor says, “(for us as believers) it’s not ‘seeing is believing,’ but rather ‘believing is seeing.'” In other words, faith that refuses to deny God and continues to hope in Him and all that He is and promises when we do not see is what pleases God–and I venture to say factors into the “few things” of Matthew 25:23 above.

So take heart, Beloved. Whether you feel as if you have a noteworthy return to give Jesus from his investment in you, or whether you feel as if you have only the metaphorical widow’s mite, if you have been faithful, Jesus will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (emphasis added). One day soon, with the sound of a mighty trumpet Jesus will shout from heaven and say, “Come, share My joy!”