Word@Work 103 - Mark 9:19-24
Published: Tue, 04/15/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:19-24 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NIV)
Working with Jesus is good; working without Jesus is futile and stupid. His impatience at the disciples was not because they had forgotten an 'exorcism formula', but because they had forgotten to trust and obey Jesus. The threefold rebuke may seem harsh, but was an essential lesson for their next job as church leaders. Even Satan seemed to revel in their faithlessness (as the child was dramatically thrown into another fit). It seemed that the only person with faith was the father.
But what is true faith? The disciples had not understood even after two years of being with Jesus, so He used the distressed parent to teach them. His, "if you can do anything", was challenged by "everything is possible to him who believes". He did believe - that was why he came to Jesus in the first place. But, he knew that his faith was far from rock solid. Although he may not have realised it, his next plea revealed that he had more understanding of faith than the disciples. "Help me to overcome my unbelief", shows that true faith is not a matter of human confidence, but a willingness to allow the Lord to change our belief system. Faith does not come by need or desire, but by the revelation from God (Rom 10:17).
We are surrounded by unbelievers of different flavours. They all have one thing in common: an unwillingness to allow the Word of God (and thereby, the God of the Word) to shape their faith. They will substitute anything (philosophy, secular values, false religion, sentimentalism, logic and sheer self-centredness) in place of allowing God's Spirit to help them to believe in Jesus. The willingness to be changed inside by Jesus is the mark of genuine faith. Let's practice it ourselves and encourage it in others - it is the only way to work with Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that you can do anything, but I need Your help to believe that you will honour the promises of Your Word in my life. Please work this change in me; and in my friends as I explain Your truth to them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Working with Jesus is good; working without Jesus is futile and stupid. His impatience at the disciples was not because they had forgotten an 'exorcism formula', but because they had forgotten to trust and obey Jesus. The threefold rebuke may seem harsh, but was an essential lesson for their next job as church leaders. Even Satan seemed to revel in their faithlessness (as the child was dramatically thrown into another fit). It seemed that the only person with faith was the father.
But what is true faith? The disciples had not understood even after two years of being with Jesus, so He used the distressed parent to teach them. His, "if you can do anything", was challenged by "everything is possible to him who believes". He did believe - that was why he came to Jesus in the first place. But, he knew that his faith was far from rock solid. Although he may not have realised it, his next plea revealed that he had more understanding of faith than the disciples. "Help me to overcome my unbelief", shows that true faith is not a matter of human confidence, but a willingness to allow the Lord to change our belief system. Faith does not come by need or desire, but by the revelation from God (Rom 10:17).
We are surrounded by unbelievers of different flavours. They all have one thing in common: an unwillingness to allow the Word of God (and thereby, the God of the Word) to shape their faith. They will substitute anything (philosophy, secular values, false religion, sentimentalism, logic and sheer self-centredness) in place of allowing God's Spirit to help them to believe in Jesus. The willingness to be changed inside by Jesus is the mark of genuine faith. Let's practice it ourselves and encourage it in others - it is the only way to work with Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord. I know that you can do anything, but I need Your help to believe that you will honour the promises of Your Word in my life. Please work this change in me; and in my friends as I explain Your truth to them. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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