Posts Tagged ‘“come out”’
Scripture reading for February 27th: Mark 9:1-29, Psalms 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18
Jesus was a man who spoke with authority and was not afraid to rebuke demons or His own disciples! Mark records an incident in which a man had brought his son to the disciples. The son had an evil spirit that often tried to kill the boy by throwing his systems into symptoms of a seizure or stroke. The disciples tried to cast the spirit out but were unsuccessful. (Mark 9:17-18)
“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.” (Mark 9:19) Jesus rebuked the people and especially the disciples for their unbelief. Jesus had demonstrated their authority to cast out demons and they had been sent out and also had experienced people getting delivered. (Mark 6:7, 12-13) The problem was not with the evil spirit, but with those who should have had faith to see it leave!
When the boy’s father brought his son to Jesus, he asked Jesus to help him if He could. “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” “Immediately the boys father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”" Jesus again corrected the father’s doubting request with a question. “If” is a word indicating doubt, not faith in the possibility! According to Jesus, there is nothing that is not possible for the person who will believe! This man cried out spontaneously for help with dealing with the unbelief! This was an honest prayer and Jesus answered by rebuking the spirit in the boy. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (Mark 9:25b)
When they left this family, the disciples wanted to know from Jesus why they could not drive out the demon.
“He replied, “This kind can only come out by prayer.”‘ (Mark 9:29) Some manuscripts added “fasting” after the prayer. Our power comes only from God through faith in Him and His ability to do anything. These disciples were encouraged to focus on prayer as they dealt with situations like this. Only prayer will drive out unbelief and enable us to successfully confront Satan’s power.
Take some time to pray today for help with driving out your unbelief. Jesus wants His disciples to walk in authority and power that comes through faith in God! (Mark 11:22-24)
Scripture reading for November 3rd: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study class that spent three weeks in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. At Bethany one morning, we visited a place that was a probably like the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures about this incident, I turned to leave first and right after I got out, I took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got a great picture and a real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the Temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and loved their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:22) Martha had faith in Jesus and His prayers!
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her prophetically, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God! Faith comes by hearing the voice of Jesus Christ!
Jesus went to the tomb and as He stood there, He wept! (John 11:35) What compassion Jesus showed for this man that He loved! The Author of Life was weeping over Lazarus swallowed by the grave and death! He was the “resurrection and life” and was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away from the mouth of the tomb. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and helps us when our faith falters! (John 11:40) After thanking His Father that He always heard Him, Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Sure enough, Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
Wow! What a loving and compassionate Savior! We are encouraged to simply believe that whatever Jesus said or says will be heard by the Father! He is alive and praying for us now! Why not ask Him for what He has promised? Listen closely; His sheep hear His voice!