Mark 9:23-24
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
We end this "week" of verses with an account from Mark. These verses describe a different moment, but part of the same miracle described in Matthew 17, which we discussed on Friday. In these verses Jesus reminds the boy's father everything is possible for one who believes. Of course, the boy's father does not have the power to do miracles himself. He is standing in front of Jesus, asking him to heal his son- he certainly has shown he has hope. He is willing to believe anything, if it will heal his son. We are in a very different position today. We do not have Jesus standing before us, or walking though our town. But we know all about what happened when he was physically present to the people. He only asks us to believe in Him and to love one another. Our miracles may look different, without Jesus here in the flesh, but the message is the same. Everything is possible with faith in God.
Holy Lord, sometimes the scriptures can be confusing and seem imperfect to me. Help me to understand what I need to understand from them- from you. I know the scriptures contain your Truth and that is what I am after. Today I know I must have faith and believe in you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Mark 9:23-24
IF—an important word in this story. The father asks for help of Jesus when the disciples were unsuccessful in healing his son. He asks Jesus to help—if he can! Jesus then tells all of us both by words and actions that the “if” is our belief that God heals and it is our job to believe. Our belief brings possibility. Our faith does not give us all we want, but all we need to serve him.
Prayer: Gracious God, Strengthen my faith so I may serve you better—with no ifs. Amen
Tuesday, December 12th, 2023
Mark 9:23-24
And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
In the Scripture above, Jesus wants to help a father with his son. However, the father has taught himself to cope, manage, and survive with only human means that though he wants to believe, he is struggling to have faith in the power of God. I can relate to this man, and also need help to overcome my temporary unbelief. The only sure way to overcome disbelief is to place your faith in the Word of God and depend on that more an…