A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, October 14

Mark 9:14-29

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

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.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. “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.”

“‘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!”

When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

I read some interesting commentary regarding these passages this morning. Jesus, Peter, James and John are returning from what we know as the “transfiguration”, the true mountaintop experience. The disciples who were not called to join Jesus on that day, had stayed behind, and were teaching and healing in the name of Jesus. Did they have feelings about not being asked to join Jesus that day? They haven’t yet heard about what happened on the mountain. But they were in a way left behind to do work. I wonder about Jesus’ answer to them, for why they were not able to drive out the demon, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Does Jesus really believe that the disciples would not have prayed? I think there is more to this story which we do not know. Why is Jesus so frustrated here, “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” Even though this passage brings up many questions in my mind, it answers many, as well. Jesus accepts that the boy’s father can be full of faith, but still have doubts. Jesus reminds us that we must continue to pray, in all situations, and that this is what keeps us in communication with God and his healing power.

Holy Lord, I am reminded again today of the importance of prayer, to maintain and strengthen my relationship with you. I must never rely on myself, my own strength or my own mind. I am nothing without you. Amen

Becky, transforming