Full of Jesus

This past week, my Bible readings have been in the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 6, Mark describes a time when Jesus sent His disciples out two by two giving them power over unclean spirits. The disciples "went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them." (Mark 6:12-13 NKJ) Wow! What results!

But, then, in chapter 9 of Mark, these same disciples were unable to cast one demon out of a child. And Jesus called them a "faithless [unbelieving] generation" and told them the demon could only leave the child by means of prayer and, some versions add, fasting.

 

Did they not believe?

 

Were they not praying?

 

Was there even time for what we define as fasting?

 

A deeper look at chapters 8 through 10 reveals a problem, probably the problem. The disciples were full of themselves and not so much of Jesus. It seems possible that their previous sent out experience was so exhilarating that it may have turned their focus inward and not upward on God. That might even explain why a few versions add "and fasting" as the intent of fasting is to help "focus one's energies on the resources available in our great God." (Thomas Nelson NKJ Study Bible)

 

I love the format of the Four Steps of Prayer that Moms in Prayer International has been given. Beginning with praise, we invite the Lord's presence to abide with us. Then, silent confession makes room for His presence to fill us. Thanksgiving opens our eyes to the fact that it is about His good purposes coming to reality, which are far better than ours.

 

These first three steps usually result in the emptying of our "self" and the filling us up of Jesus. That has a powerful, faith-filled effect on the way we intercede for our children and their schools.

 

Jesus told the father, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23 NKJ)

 

As we admit our own resources are weak and ask for His help, He makes hope come alive because we see the possibilities of His resources coming into play. When we ask Him to strengthen our faith and look to His resources, we frequently see "impossible" things happen.

 

Perhaps first there is more convulsing, as with this child, and death appears to have won, but in the end, Jesus will have His way.

 

May we each use our voice to speak to Jesus and echo the child's father's words, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:17, 24b NKJ)