Not What We Used To Be

Many years ago, a book called “The Big Fisherman,” by Lloyd C. Douglas, made the best-seller lists. The book contains a scene in which several of the Apostles are wondering aloud about Jesus: “Why did He do this? Why did He do that?” At one point, Peter says,

“Don’t forget, we couldn’t understand why He wanted to leave Canaan and go to Capernaum.”

“That was different,” Thomas mumbles, “He felt He was urgently needed there.”

“Maybe He feels that He is now needed elsewhere,” Andrew observes.

To which James adds, “I don’t believe He cares very much whether we understand Him or not.”

“You are right, Jimmy,” says Bartholomew, “He’s teaching us to have faith in Him.”

“But can’t a man have faith, and understanding too?” Thomas argues.

“No,” says Bartholomew, “that’s what faith is for. It’s for when we can’t understand.”

“That’s true,” says Peter. “When a man understands, he doesn’t need any faith.”

“I…