Sunday, June 20, 2010

6/20/10- The Healing of an Evil Son Part 2 (Mark 9)


20 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. 21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. 22 "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." 23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" 25 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."
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer. "



Thoughts: For this father's day we have a father who loved his sick son as an example for us all. He brought his son to Jesus. His son was not even conscious of it. His father wanted Jesus to help him but he had his doubts because he had tried many other remedies and none worked. Jesus used this occassion of a father bringing a son to say, "Anything is possible for one who believes." Those parents who have given up on hope for their children need to remember this verse. Those who have prodigal children need to hear it loudly. The father's response was "I do believe help me overcome my unbelief!" A truly honest and wise response from his heart. Each father should believe not only for his own good, but for the good of his family. God can strengthen our faith if we ask him to do so. Jesus' response was a miracle- a healing of the hopeless son. We should always have hope for our children- for anything is possible with the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I believe, help me to overcome my unbelief. Bless fathers and children today.

John Calvin abridged: "If you believe?" The first foundation of faith is to embrace the boundless power of God; the first step of prayer is to raise it above all denial by the firm belief that our prayers are not in vain.
"I believe help my unbelief"- This may seem contradictory at first. Yet none of us has a perfect faith. But God forgives us and exercises patience towards us so that He acts on a small amount of our faith. We all should strive to throw off unbelief and to strive against the leftovers of unbelief, praying against them- and fly to God for aid in hardship.

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