Word@Work 102 - Mark 9:14-18
Published: Mon, 04/14/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:14-18 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." (NIV)
Following His transfiguration, Jesus with Peter, James and John rejoined the rest of the disciples - where a crowd had gathered. Seeing Him, the people spontaneously ran towards Him. As always, Jesus knew what had been going on. There had been a heated discussion and the matter was not resolved: it looked like a dissatisfied customer who had been fobbed off by customer relations ... and now he wanted to speak to the boss.
Jesus was clearly identified as the boss, and His appearance was a huge relief. The controversy was about a child with demonically inspired fits. The father had pinned his hope on Jesus. But, as Jesus was away, the other disciples (who had been trained in exorcism) decided they should take action. However, whatever they did was completely ineffective. They may have used a formula, but it was not by the command of Jesus - and there was no Divine power to release the child from his fits. Whatever the disciples said failed to pacify the father; he knew that the only solution lay in Jesus' hands. No wonder the dad was glad to see the Master, who cared enough to listen to the complaint and not condemn.
Even today, when Christians can be amazingly disappointing, the Lord will still hear and act according to His mercy. Often the greatest relief is simply knowing that we are heard, knowing that God is listening, and that He really wants to hear what we have to say. Alas, lost in the frenzy of religious activity (which traps many eager-hearted Christians), there are people who have a simple request for Jesus: "Please help me!". Could it be that they are not heard, as believers obsessively manicure their church activities, programmes and courses - all in the cause of Christ? Jesus said, "Come to me"! Let's bring them to Him!
Prayer: Father God, I know that my needy friends cannot be satisfied by anything less than a personal encounter with You. Help me not to be a distraction or even presume that I have the solution to their need. Help me to humbly lead them to Jesus. For His sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Following His transfiguration, Jesus with Peter, James and John rejoined the rest of the disciples - where a crowd had gathered. Seeing Him, the people spontaneously ran towards Him. As always, Jesus knew what had been going on. There had been a heated discussion and the matter was not resolved: it looked like a dissatisfied customer who had been fobbed off by customer relations ... and now he wanted to speak to the boss.
Jesus was clearly identified as the boss, and His appearance was a huge relief. The controversy was about a child with demonically inspired fits. The father had pinned his hope on Jesus. But, as Jesus was away, the other disciples (who had been trained in exorcism) decided they should take action. However, whatever they did was completely ineffective. They may have used a formula, but it was not by the command of Jesus - and there was no Divine power to release the child from his fits. Whatever the disciples said failed to pacify the father; he knew that the only solution lay in Jesus' hands. No wonder the dad was glad to see the Master, who cared enough to listen to the complaint and not condemn.
Even today, when Christians can be amazingly disappointing, the Lord will still hear and act according to His mercy. Often the greatest relief is simply knowing that we are heard, knowing that God is listening, and that He really wants to hear what we have to say. Alas, lost in the frenzy of religious activity (which traps many eager-hearted Christians), there are people who have a simple request for Jesus: "Please help me!". Could it be that they are not heard, as believers obsessively manicure their church activities, programmes and courses - all in the cause of Christ? Jesus said, "Come to me"! Let's bring them to Him!
Prayer: Father God, I know that my needy friends cannot be satisfied by anything less than a personal encounter with You. Help me not to be a distraction or even presume that I have the solution to their need. Help me to humbly lead them to Jesus. For His sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W102 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on