MARK 9:14-29 FAITHLESSNESS When they were on that mountain, the three watching disciples caught a glimpse of the glory, power and supremacy of the One they had called Jesus. Now more carefully understanding who they were following, Peter spoke to the Lord Jesus as "Master." Now as they descend into the valley where a great crowd of people surrounded the other nine disciples and those who followed with Him, there was an awareness those three never had before of who the Person they followed was. They had just come from glory and now came into gloom. Mountain-top experiences prepare us for what we will face in the valley. Fellowship with God prepares us for the failures of men. A view of what is ahead of those who love the Lord, enables us to keep a proper perspective regarding those who love the world. "The love of the Father is not in them."
A cross-section of faithless humanity was waiting for the Lord Jesus as He drew near to where His waiting, embarrassed disciples stood in perplexed sadness. The disputing scribes were questioning the disciples about things of which they were not sure of. The Lord Jesus quickly silenced them with His own question and charged them with faithlessness (actually the whole generation). It is not a simple task to win an argument. Generally, a well-posed question that cannot be avoided, exposes the real motivation behind an argument and those who want to dispute over spiritual matters. Most argumentative questions are not given to get the real answer but to get a point across. To personalize a matter is most often accomplished by a genuinely thoughtful question. In that way a person is confronted with what faith is and why it is needed.
The distracted father had brought his son to the disciples who were powerless to heal the boy. Any true father would do whatever was possible to see his son delivered from the bondage of the powers of darkness. The battle with sin and evil is a relentless one. The disciples had experienced the exhilaration of seeing demon-possessed people delivered on their mission trip. This time there was failure. The father was comforted when the Lord Jesus healed his son by the power that was His and only His. Efforts to carry out God's work on our own fleshly energy will fail. They had been commissioned by Him to do this previously. Apparently, the disciples thought they were permanently able to do this even when acting on their own. We have not been given the right to act arbitrarily. Our limitations will not allow us to see all the consequences of our actions. Only God knows that. Our responsibility is to make sure every action we take is in accordance with God's revealed will and is in fellowship with Him. Our faith is to always be placed in Him, not ourselves.
The demon-possessed son was healed by the power of God. The distracted father was confronted by a Person, not just an event. When he finally placed the measure of faith he had in the right Person, his request was granted. The defeated disciples learned a lesson as they were instructed in the life of faith. At first they seemed confused, even after the healing had taken place. They, and we, have to learn that healing isn't just positive thinking. We cannot have everything we pray for. By faith in Christ we can serve Him in reverence and godly fear. Faith is not something we store up in a cupboard to use when needed. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is maintained when we communicate with Him and trust Him to do what is needed through us or even without us. Prayer and the denial of self-interest and self-exaltation are essential in any work God allows us to be engaged in. "It is God who worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure."
If I am not careful, I will think I can live in the mountain all day. That whatever goes on in the valley, I will from all that keep away. God did not leave us here to live to ourselves, but to live life unto Him. One of our most serious responsibilities is with the Gospel to confront sin.
Sin raises its evil head in many ways that it may capture the souls of men. Disputing, disgruntled people will complain over and over again. A quiet comment or question is the best way to deal with that - Because their comments and complaints are best dealt with by stating the facts.
There are some things I cannot do, and that is not a cause for blame. Other things I must commit myself to, and do it heartily in Jesus' name. The only way I really know what I should or should not do - Is to make sure I'm on biblical ground and allow the Spirit to guide me through.
The powers of darkness will align against anyone wanting to do God's will. When I am walking in the light with the Lord, He my hands will always fill. Anything that is accomplished whether unseen or a public victory - Is a work of God alone who is willing to use this frail piece of humanity.
Usually every incident in life is a "teaching moment" if I am willing to hear. His voice may be heard in the peace of my heart, and other times be loud and clear. My choice is whether to pay attention or not to what my Lord has to teach. In faith I rest my soul and life on Him, that through me others He'll reach.
"Father, this morning my mind, and I think my heart, is directed to India. Please give Thy servant a clear understanding of truths to be taught to the saints there. I would like to know they are being built up in their "most holy faith." If there is assembly teaching to give, may Thy servant be able to "rightly divide the word of truth." May this day be profitable and may the fellowship with Thy people this evening be strengthening and encouraging to them all. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."