Mark 9:14-29
“I believe; help my unbelief”
No doubt a remarkable verse. One might argue this verse as the central theme of our text and perhaps a central focal point of the Christian life. This twofold confession is one that has moved me from reading to meditating. On one hand we have a statement of belief. On the other hand, from the same mouth, in the same sentence, we have a confession of unbelief. I think now is when we are suppose to ask, “is that even possible?” “Can somebody believe and not believe at the same time?” As literal as this confession is, I think it holds deeper meaning for the born again reader. My hope is in a few short paragraphs to unveil some of that meaning.
The underlying matter in the text at hand is the battle to believe. I have often asked myself; “Am I believing?” and “What does it mean to believe?” As Christians, eternal life is accessed by our believing. There is one link, one way to eternal life, and that is to believe. Believe in what? “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Believing is a central component to our faith. Maybe the question we must ask ourselves is not; Am I believing?…but How am I believing?
Here we have the disciples of Jesus, who by now had been following Him for some time. As they would witness miracle after miracle it would be impossible for them not to believe. The problem with this kind of sideline belief is it had created a mentality of spectator rather then a reality of participator. They were quick to defend their faith (vs14), but apparently not able to act on it (vs18). As Jesus came on the scene in verse 14 they were arguing with the scribes. The text does not tell us what they were arguing about so we will leave it at that.
What I do know is that it is easy to defend the faith when the defense requires nothing of us. It isnt until our belief demands action that true colors begin to shine. It is in the moment we are found "not able" that our unbelief manifests. It says when they saw Jesus they were “greatly amazed and ran up to him.” It is interesting to note how they later came, the text tells us, “privately” to Jesus. Why the change in approach?
They would watch Jesus heal this boy because of the belief of a dad in the crowd. Not because this man was a disciple or a follower, but because he believed. How did he believe? "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief.’" I see three things in the way this man believed; honor, honesty and humility. This is not a do these three things and have life message. This is simply an outworking of genuine belief in the life of a man that was desperate for a miracle.
Honor was shown as “immediately the father of the child cried out.” We honor the Lord in our belief when we hear His word and immediately respond in a manner worthy. Honesty was shown by way of confession, “help my unbelief.” The Lord is looking for us to be honest about where we are so that He can get us where He wants us to be. Humility was shown as he cried out “help.” The problem is not within the confession of unbelief. For doubt will arise. The problem is are we willing to admit the unbelief. In that moment we must be honest and humbly ask Jesus to help us. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Believer, what obstacle stands before you and Jesus this day? Fear not, nor be dismayed. The remedy consists of one thing, a simple thing. A thing all men are capable of doing. It is not prejudice to ethnicity nor education. It does not require of you a prerequisite. No title or tool will be necessary, only that you believe. That is the link! You must believe! That is do you believe? I ask you how are you believing? Have you come before the Lord and honored His word. Believing in it and esteeming it higher then life’s current troubles. Have you been honest about your current condition; Doubt? Worry? Fear? Bitterness? Anger? Pride? Lust? Would you be willing to reach out for a touch today? To cry out to your Savior with a sincere heart…“help!”
Let us now remember what the Lord said himself:
"this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."
