My bible study is in the book of Mark recently. Mark is focused on the things Jesus did. There are signs and wonders. Miracles. I was reading through chapter 9 the other morning. Jesus is coming down from the mountain with Peter, James and John. As they come down they see that the rest of the disciples are engaged with the Teachers of the Law in an argument. There are a lot of people standing around watching. As soon as they see Jesus, they forget the debate and run to Jesus. There’s probably a lesson there.
One man tells Jesus that his son is beset by a demon. He says that the disciples have tried to deliver the boy but have been unsuccessful. At that point Jesus laments regarding the unbelief of the people. The man brings his son to Jesus and asks Jesus to help saying, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus reply is, “What do you mean, ‘If you can’? Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Jesus’ reaction to this man stopped me. It’s as if He says, “If? There is no ‘if’!” Jesus’ indignation is comforting to me. It comforts me the same way that Jesus promise to be with us always comforts me. It reminds me that my faith makes me eligible to participate in the revealing of the Kingdom of God and that the ultimate success of that revealing has been secured.
Lord, the next time You lead me to minister the Kingdom, and my brain starts to take over, remind me of the fact there there is no ‘if’ for those who believe.
