This chapter is so packed with Jesus’ works / teachings we can’t cover it all in detail. Events include “the transfiguration”, healing a demon-possessed boy, another foretelling of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples arguing about who is the greatest among them, a commentary on those who perform work in Jesus’ name, and a warning about causing others to sin.
“And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. ‘…if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ And Jesus said to [the boy’s father], ‘ “If you can”! All things are possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’ ” (v20-24 abr)
How often do doubts and / or disbelief stop us from trusting in the Lord (or at the very least, cause us to hesitate)? If we are Christ followers for long enough, we will all have ‘faith-shaking experiences’ that may cause us to doubt God’s words and intentions. Since Genesis 3, Satan has been hard at work encouraging everyone to doubt God’s word (“Did God actually say….?”).
We have two choices in these moments of doubt – let the doubts build a wall between us and God, or, seek to overcome those doubts with God’s help. Jesus helped this father overcome his doubts by countering them with words of truth about God. The only way to counter Satan’s twisted words is by replacing them with God’s true words.
Let’s make a habit of spending time with God – in prayer, in missional work, and in His word. The better we know God’s truths and promises, the harder it will be for Satan to twist them or encourage us to doubt. By knowing God and His words well we can even help others to overcome their doubts. Let’s work with the Holy Spirit to build each other up in God’s truth, and keep the enemy’s twisted words at bay.
Father God, our Lord of Truth and Righteousness, thank you for the gifts of Your Word and Spirit. May we partner with the Spirit to discern Your true words in the midst of so many voices. May we seek truth in all circumstances, and dismiss any doubts of You without entertaining them. May we learn to filter everything we hear through scripture, and the counsel of Christ honoring friends. May our obedience and hunger for Your truth aid others as well, helping dispel any lies the enemy is whispering in their ears. In the name of Jesus our Savior and King we fully trust You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training