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Day 205

2 Peter 2:17a "These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest..." 2 Peter 2:17a"

Day 205 – Mark 9

“These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest…” 2 Peter 2:17a

BATTLING UNBELIEF

The short conversation with Jesus made all the difference. There must be yet hope, or Jesus would not have spoken to him as He did. Would he exercise his faith?


“Immediately the father of the child cried out
and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'”
MARK 9:24

1. Dealing with unbelief

The father knew that he had to deal with his unbelief once and for all.

a) Concentrating on the problem rather than on the solution
i) He was upset when he could not help his son.
ii) He was stumbled by the failure of the disciples.
iii) He was stumped by the power of the mute demon.
b) Confession of unbelief
i) Openly he confessed his lack of faith.
ii) Tearfully he confessed his struggle with faith.

2. Declaration of faith

i) With all his strength he cried out “I believe”.
ii) He was going to believe in Jesus- that He was able to help them.
iii) He was going to concentrate on the Person and Power of Jesus alone.

ALL THAT JESUS WANTED TO HEAR

Jesus did not need the father to have a great statement of faith! All he wanted was to hear that wonderful phrase, “Lord, I believe.” This would be a wonderful opportunity to teach a vital lesson of faith.


“When Jesus saw that the people came running together,
He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it:
‘Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him
and enter him no more!'”
MARK 9:5

There was no mistaking the commanding tone in the voice of Jesus! It was a strong voice indeed. It was a voice firstly of rebuke, for having hurt the boy so much and for so long. It was a voice of exorcism. The spirit was to leave the boy alone- forever!