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In Mark 9, we can read the record of a child possessed with a demon and was brought to the disciples. They were perplexed because they could not cast out the demon. This account, also in Matthew 17 and Luke 9, is the subject of many sermons and teachings, and there is little doubt in my mind that you’ve heard it before. As God would have it, I pray that you will indulge one more sharing of this awesome occurrence and permit me to shed light on something I believe many have missed. It is no accident that this powerful record is in the Gospels three times, because when something truthful is presented three times, it should establish the truth in our hearts. We need repetition, because each time the truth is heard and believed, the foundation of it is anchored deeper; understanding is expanded, and the revelation is enforced with greater intensity. We can expect this and more if our appetite to go higher in Christ is ravenous for meat.
The disciples were being mocked by the scribes, those supposedly well versed in Mosaic Law, and Jesus was returning; just in time. It was not as if the disciples hadn’t exorcised demons before; they had. This was a very public display, one in which the multitude of onlookers, some of which were shocked at the disciple’s inability, were ready to dismiss the work these followers of Jesus had done in the past. They were preparing to relegate them to a mere bygone novelty.
The father then becomes the focus as he tells Jesus the tragic life his son has had. This boy had been tormented since he was very small, and fell on the ground, foaming at the mouth, in the presence of Jesus. No doubt, the demon knew his time was up. They do not change their stripes. We witness similar demonstrations of demonic chaos and upheaval as we approach seasons of manifold breakthrough blessings. Often, all manner of difficulty and challenges spring forth when we are at the cusp of a new level. It is a pivotal time, one where we will either be strengthened in the joy of the Lord or we will acquiesce under pressure and miss an opportunity to advance ourselves in God’s glory.
In Mark 9:19(NIV), Jesus said, ““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.” We have long believed that Jesus was rebuking the disciples for their lack of faith in being able to help the boy. Some scholars believe that it was the scribes that Jesus was rebuking. I believe there was enough to go around to all, the disciples, the scribes, and the father who was not quite where he needed to be to witness the miracle he sought.
How many of us are today in our own believing where the father was? For years, many of us have held the same request on our hearts, frustrated and confused about why we’re not witnessing the manifestation of our desires. We must consider whether a mindset of “IF” is the blocker of our blessing. In this record in Mark 9, please don’t sleep on the father. His faith was not zero as some suppose. His believing had gotten him in the right place at the right time, in front of the right person. It took them a while to get there, but when we press and faint not, the opportunity we seek will always manifest.
It cannot be lost on us that the father’s responsibility was to believe for the healing of his son, as the son could not do it for himself. In Mark 9:22 (NIV), the father said, “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.” This statement sounds familiar to many of us because it is exactly the attitude with which we come to the throne. The man sought pity with an “IF”, a combination that will undercut any movement of faith. We must realize that with all his maneuvering to be in the right place at the right time in front of the right person, a further shift in his thinking and believing had to occur to bring the picture of deliverance into full focus.
Jesus Christ would not violate the Law of faith and its requirements. We often make the mistake of thinking that our circumstances will yield without the patience and endurance it takes to bring our minds to fully-persuaded belief. There could not have been a more troubling situation than that of a child’s suffering, and the boy had been in this condition many years. He was pitiful indeed, but his plight coupled with all the compassion and sincerity anyone can muster will not make an indelible imprint upon faith unless the “IF” in the believer’s mind is demolished.
In Mark 9:23(NLT), Jesus responded to the father, “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Verse 25 tells us that Jesus then spoke to the demon and said, “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak, I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!” This is absolute authority! The kind that has been freely given to you and me through Christ. We can speak, and call those things which are not as though they were. The question for us is will we learn to exercise the power and authority we’ve been given, because it is a requirement that cannot be missed.
King David said in Psalm 37:25 (NIV), “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” The Law of Faith does not require begging, NOR will it be moved by it. Faith requires a belief in the righteousness of God and obedience to it; for obedience is better than sacrifice. The father in Mark 9 erroneously believed that God would be pleased with begging. Many of us think this way today. It is why some of our prayers are filled with more whining than confidence. We know from Hebrews 11:6 that we can’t please God without faith, and the Law of Faith requires a heart and mind that is confident in God. It is a myth that we can take the Christ out of faith, and still have faith. Our minds and hearts cannot remain in a state of ambiguity about who he is, who we are through him, and what we should be doing because of our Christ identity. It will take effort on your part to bring yourself to a place of absolute certainty in God’s desire for you to have the best. Do this work, and be confident that when you demolish the ‘IF’ in your relationship with faith, you will hold the keys to the Kingdom and the ability to unlock the blessings you desired. ■
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Demolition of the Word ‘IF’” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.
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