March 4, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 17:14-21
OBSERVATIONS
Was this a medical condition (epilepsy?) or an evil spirit, or a combination of both?
Unbelieving and perverse? Jesus speaks harshly to… the disciples? the crowd? the father? that generation in general?
The disciples faith was too small, they doubted themselves, or God’s power in themselves. Yet even tiny faith can move mountains, so does this mean that they had no faith?
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
Once again I assume that there is a good reason why Jesus speaks so harshly, someone needed to hear this firm rebuke.
When confronted with evil or difficulty, do I stand firm with faith or do I buckle under pressure?
If mustard seed faith can move mountains, where is my faith at?
I hear Jesus gently but firmly rebuking me, why do I give in and up so quickly with fear or doubt? Why do I expect so little from God and Jesus?
I am not facing the same challenge as this father, or of the disciples, but when I think of my own challenges, I admit that I am as weak and doubtful as they were.
If God is God and Jesus is Who He says He is, why am I so hesitant?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I need a faith boost, and Your gentle rebuke helps. Help me to focus on Your glory and strength, and not get stuck on the mountain.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Sometimes I need to review a process at work or at home, and I may feel that I have gone over this often enough, and shouldn’t need to explain it again. I may even mutter stuff about how this stuff should be easy by now. I wonder if this is how Jesus felt in these verses. When the disciples could not cast out a demon, his comments “how much longer do I need to be here” seems to convey this frustration.
Yet this became a teachable event, and when the disciples asked what the real issue was later, Jesus mentioned that they could not sort this out because of their lack of faith. The disciples tried to heal this person. I think that they at least showed up, and made an attempt. I wonder how I operate when I come into a situation where a healing is needed? I think that I would be praying for healing, but believing in a slow natural healing, rather than the instantaneous healing like Jesus provided on a regular basis. We often pray for others, and have seen some great things happen, but I wonder about the faith that we have in these situations. Do I really trust God? Do I really want to? Or am I comfortable and satisfied with the status quo. Is life really whatever will be will be? Or can I become a mountain mover? (That would be good, because I don’t like to drive through the mountains, I would rather drive on flat straight roads)
I pray that God would increase my faith, and help my unbelief. I pray that as nothing is impossible, that I can see the possibilities, and that God’s kingdom will be advanced.
Observations:
The man brings his son to Jesus to be healed. The disciples were not able. The reason? Their lack of faith.
Application:
The father brought his son to Jesus. A last resort? But he did. How often do I not depend upon man’s ways before I go to the real Cure. How often do I not try to ‘fix’ the problem in my own power before I bring it to the Lord in prayer. It is good to call upon the community of believers, but they too must do it all in God’s name and in His power.
How is my walk today? How is my talk this day. Am I walking with the Father? Is he guiding along the way? Am I in tune, listening to His voice saying -this is the way. Walk in it. May my eyes always be focused on Jesus for He is my Guide. Increase my faith Lord so that always, always I turn to You. Lead me and guide me. Increase my faith. Create in me a clean heart O God so that I am truly Your child – a kid of the Kingdom. Jesus is the answer.
Prayer:
Help me this day to keep my eyes on You for You make all things a possibility.
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Refrain