Word@Work 104 - Mark 9:25-29
Published: Wed, 04/16/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:25-29 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." (NIV)
Like the authority of flashing blue lights which attract crowds to an accident, the powerful presence of Jesus was always a magnet. In full view of the disciples who could not drive out the demon (and the crowds who saw their failure), Jesus addresses the evil spirit. The command was explicit, stern and left no room for satanic manoeuvre. The effect was striking, a violent convulsion and then the boy's inert body lay on the ground. Was he dead? The onlookers thought so.
But Jesus had an enlivening purpose to fulfil. First He physically brought the boy to his feet - proving that the power of Satan to dictate his lifestyle was terminated. Then, possibly, a more arduous task: talking the disciples through the episode, to teach them a vital lesson that would be essential for the church in every age. He let them raise the matter, and it was wise they did not let the day pass without resolving the dilemma. They needed to know that they could not work for God unless they worked hand in hand with God! And prayer was the starting point that they had forgotten.
This lesson needs continual relearning by pew and pulpit alike. The purpose of Jesus' work is to destroy Satan's work (1 Jn 3:8b). This is not a matter of philosophy, but of raw and effective spiritual power. Nobody except Jesus has that degree of spiritual authority. So to attempt to work for Jesus, without Him, in the face of such devilish opposition - is naively foolish in the extreme (cf Acts 19:13-16). The reasons why we might try to work for God in our own strength range from ignorance to arrogance to stupidity. So it is time to reflect and repent: time to confess both our faith and our weakness and allow the lord to work in us before He can work through us.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Now that I know it is dangerously futile to play at Christianity, I admit my foolish weakness and ask that you will please do Your work in me, to change me, so that I may work with you - to your praise and glory. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Like the authority of flashing blue lights which attract crowds to an accident, the powerful presence of Jesus was always a magnet. In full view of the disciples who could not drive out the demon (and the crowds who saw their failure), Jesus addresses the evil spirit. The command was explicit, stern and left no room for satanic manoeuvre. The effect was striking, a violent convulsion and then the boy's inert body lay on the ground. Was he dead? The onlookers thought so.
But Jesus had an enlivening purpose to fulfil. First He physically brought the boy to his feet - proving that the power of Satan to dictate his lifestyle was terminated. Then, possibly, a more arduous task: talking the disciples through the episode, to teach them a vital lesson that would be essential for the church in every age. He let them raise the matter, and it was wise they did not let the day pass without resolving the dilemma. They needed to know that they could not work for God unless they worked hand in hand with God! And prayer was the starting point that they had forgotten.
This lesson needs continual relearning by pew and pulpit alike. The purpose of Jesus' work is to destroy Satan's work (1 Jn 3:8b). This is not a matter of philosophy, but of raw and effective spiritual power. Nobody except Jesus has that degree of spiritual authority. So to attempt to work for Jesus, without Him, in the face of such devilish opposition - is naively foolish in the extreme (cf Acts 19:13-16). The reasons why we might try to work for God in our own strength range from ignorance to arrogance to stupidity. So it is time to reflect and repent: time to confess both our faith and our weakness and allow the lord to work in us before He can work through us.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Now that I know it is dangerously futile to play at Christianity, I admit my foolish weakness and ask that you will please do Your work in me, to change me, so that I may work with you - to your praise and glory. 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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