“O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto Me.” Mark 9:19
Perhaps nowhere is faith proven, or tested so greatly, than in one’s family, or in dealing with those whom we love most. Such was the case of a father, mentioned in the Gospel of Mark. He had a son, who, from childhood, had been possessed by a foul spirit, one which sought to destroy him by casting him into the fire, and into the waters. He was specifically a “dumb and deaf spirit,” which refused to hear anything, or any voice, that would seek to dominate him by a higher authority. The father’s suffering, because of the son’s condition, was extreme. For years he had seen the working of this spirit, as it would tear at the son, resulting in convulsions, causing him to fall on the ground, wallowing, and foaming at the mouth. However, the father never gave up hope, nor did he love his son any less. There would come a day, after hearing of Jesus, that hope was strengthened. In his extremity, He decided to bring his son to Jesus. At first it was to the disciples that he brought him, telling them that his son, “…foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.” (9:18) The disciples sought to cast the spirit out, but they could not. All the time, the father is pitifully looking on, ever hoping against hope, that something can be done for his son. He is certain, that it will not be long before his son will either be killed, or expire, from just wasting away. It is then that the Lord Jesus comes, inquiries concerning the matter at hand, and then, speaks decisively concerning the great, and central issue, confronting the disciples, the suffering father, and the surrounding crowds. It is that of faith, or faithlessness. In a specific reproach, the Lord rebukes the present, “faithless generation.” He reveals that it is an issue before God, declaring that He is longsuffering and patient, to continue with them, at least for a time, so that they can truly understand God’s ways. It is in what follows, with regard to how Jesus deals with the father of the demon-possessed son, that God reveals to us today, His mercy and grace, and the way of faith, by which all things become possible.
Jesus first enquires as to how long the young man was in this condition. The answer: “…of a child.” Christ is not unmindful of the suffering of the son, nor of the father. Neither is He unmindful of the father’s love, and desire for the healing of his son. In some respects, it was the same with the woman who had an issue of blood, having spent all her wealth to find a cure, but to no avail. In her extremity, faith was born in the heart of that woman, moving her to quietly push her way through the crowds to Jesus, certain that if she touched the hem of His garment, she would be healed. The father of this beloved son, possessed that same quiet determination to come to Jesus. This was the first thing, coming to Jesus, defying all else. The second thing was that the son’s father, and the woman, had different measures of faith. The woman was certain that she would be healed, if she came to Jesus and just touched the hem of His garment. The father had faith to come, but not enough for healing. He had faith to bring his son to Jesus, but not the faith that brought the power and authority of God to bear on an impossible situation, from a human standpoint. It is at this moment that Jesus specifically the father, calling him to faith in Christ, staking everything on God’s power, and willingness to heal, and to deliver. Jesus told him: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (9:23) The father’s prayer was very simple, profoundly honest and sincere: “Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (v.24)
Dear Father, Give us grace to honestly, whole-heartedly, and sincerely, come to Thee, receiving Thy mercy to believe Thee wholly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.