Prayer and Faith

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Written by Lon Lorton Lon Lorton

In Mark 9, there’s a great story with an even better lesson.

Jesus and His “inner circle” (Peter, James, and John) are on a mountain experiencing the miracle of the Transformation – the appearance of Moses and Elijah along with God’s voice from heaven.

Meanwhile, though, at the bottom of the mountain the other nine disciples are trying to carry on Jesus’ ministry without Jesus.  It doesn’t go well.  A father with a demonized son comes looking for Jesus.  He pleads with the disciples to help his boy.  They try, but are not successful.

Jesus comes down the mountain, walks into the commotion and asks what’s going on.  The disciples are embarrassed to answer, but the disappointed father speaks up, “Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out.  I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.”

Jesus shows His aggravation with His disciples, “'How long shall I put up with you?’  He calls for the boy to be brought to Him and is told that this tragic affliction has persisted since childhood.  The father, having just witnessed the failure of the nine, pleads with Jesus, ‘If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!’”

“’If You can?’ Jesus asks.  ‘All things are possible to him who believes.’”  The father answers with amazing honesty, “’I do believe; help my unbelief.’”  Then Jesus casts out the demon and restores a healed son to a grateful father.

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