Speaking to your Mountain
In Mark 11:21-26, we find an often-misinterpreted and misapplied passage about the power of our words and the faith to back them up. Specifically, Jesus tells his disciples that if they speak to a mountain, telling it to be lifted up and thrown in the sea, it will happen for them.
The "Name It and Claim It" Crowd
Of course, this verse gets pulled out of context by the "Name It and Claim It" prosperity gospel folks. They focus only on the part about speaking to mountains, forgetting the sandwich bread - which is having faith in God first and operating in forgiveness second. They want to "name and claim" cars, houses, and bling without any thought of delighting in and having faith in God.
Missing the "Have Faith in God" Part
Jesus begins this teaching by pointing back to the fig tree that he had cursed, which then withered. He tells them in verse 22 to "Have faith in God." Our faith and expectations must be grounded in who God is and what God can do. But the New Age movement grabs verses like this and teaches people they can become their own "god" and manifest their will by the power of their words. They leave out the vital component - keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Forgiveness Activates God's Power
The other half of the "faith sandwich" that gets left out is forgiving others. Jesus says in verse 25 that when we stand praying, we should forgive anyone we're holding something against. Unforgiveness blocks prayers and our ability to walk fully in kingdom authority. Simply being mad at your mother-in-law will not empower you to curse mountains! We have to walk free from offense and bitterness if we want to see supernatural results.
So next time you hear someone quoting the "mountain-moving" verse, ask them about the bread. Are they delighting in God first and operating in forgiveness second? The right heart posture activates the promise and brings breakthrough! Let's speak God's Word over our obstacles today.
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