Today’s Scripture Readings:
Psalm 32:6-11
Leviticus 20:22- 22:16
Mark 9:1-29
Proverbs 10:18
Today’s Scripture Focus: Leviticus 19-20
Mark 9:21-24 (NIV) 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 him who believes."
[24] Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Everything
is possible for the one who believes. It seems simple
enough. But it was a lesson that the disciples of Jesus had a hard
time learning. I'm sure we can all relate to that. The lessons of
faith are never easily learned.
A boy was terribly tormented by a demon. The disciples were unable to set him free and this was causing quite a stir among the people in the crowd (and the religious leaders). Jesus rebukes them again for their lack of faith: "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
The boy's father honestly expresses the struggle of a heart that earnestly hopes but struggles with doubts: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" In response to that honest confession, Jesus in an instant sets the boy free.
The simple statement of Jesus, "Everything is possible for him who believes", is a source of hope and expectation to us as we pray. The boy's father expresses the true state of most of our hearts: a mixture of hope and doubt; belief and unbelief. Jesus seems to find more faith in that statement than in the disciples attempts to cast out the demon. The rebukes of the passage seem to be oriented to them--hadn't they learned the lessons of faith yet?
Yes, we all struggle--it is hard to overcome what we see, in order to walk by faith. Yet Jesus calls us to trust him for even the impossible. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Lord, help us to trust you; help us to overcome our unbelief knowing that everything is possible to the one who believes.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 33:1-11
Leviticus 22:17- 23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Proverbs 10:19
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.
A boy was terribly tormented by a demon. The disciples were unable to set him free and this was causing quite a stir among the people in the crowd (and the religious leaders). Jesus rebukes them again for their lack of faith: "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
The boy's father honestly expresses the struggle of a heart that earnestly hopes but struggles with doubts: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" In response to that honest confession, Jesus in an instant sets the boy free.
The simple statement of Jesus, "Everything is possible for him who believes", is a source of hope and expectation to us as we pray. The boy's father expresses the true state of most of our hearts: a mixture of hope and doubt; belief and unbelief. Jesus seems to find more faith in that statement than in the disciples attempts to cast out the demon. The rebukes of the passage seem to be oriented to them--hadn't they learned the lessons of faith yet?
Yes, we all struggle--it is hard to overcome what we see, in order to walk by faith. Yet Jesus calls us to trust him for even the impossible. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Lord, help us to trust you; help us to overcome our unbelief knowing that everything is possible to the one who believes.
With Joy,
Pastor Jeff
Tomorrow's Scripture Readings:
Psalm 33:1-11
Leviticus 22:17- 23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Proverbs 10:19
©2004 by Jeffrey R. Syverson. Feel free to share with others, but give credit where credit is due.