“The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mk. 9:24
If I’d been there with Jesus during that time, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been much different. Here I sit, all these many years later, with the record of these stories in my hands, with the knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even! And I have my own stories of Jesus’ power, protection and faithfulness in my own life. And yet I still find myself confused by Jesus, distrustful, hesitant to trust, embarrassed, at times, by His bold claims. And so, I find the father’s response surprisingly current and relevant, and an echo of my own heart.
Over and over again, wherever Jesus is, these amazing things are happening! Moses and Elijah show up on a mountain and Jesus’ appearance actually transforms before his friends. A demon is dramatically expelled from a boy. At one point we see Him reading the disciples minds. Yet, it seems that the disciples are often confused about Jesus, and develop petty jealousies about who is more important among them. You could almost see the jealousy coming when Jesus only took Peter, James and John to meet Moses and Elijah on that mountain! The father of the demon possessed boy struggled to understand and believe Jesus, too. “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” (Acts 9:22)
“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Amen!
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