“When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.[a]” Mark 9.25-29
A couple of things stand out to be initially regarding this passage. First, as Jesus as in the process of rebuke it the impure spirit, and it was shrieking and convulsed violently, leaving him for dead — Jesus gently and calmly takes the boy by the hand and lifts him to his feet. He does not panic or get worked up. Jesus is complete control of the situation.
Second, after Jesus had healed the boy, gone in doors, the disciples ask him why they couldn’t drive out the evil spirit to which Jesus answers, “This kind can only come out by prayer.” Which leads me to my second point – intentional, spirit-filled prayer matters.
Jesus had a connection with the Father which is something I have yet to obtain. In particular areas of my life I am spiritually discipled, but other areas I fall short. I read about the early church fathers and mothers who would pray in their rooms for hours or fast for weeks. This is not me. Perhaps the Lord will grow me in these areas but for now, I am comfortable in my spiritual skin.
However, I am noticing that when I am in worship, I am often deeply moved by the music. I’m sure many people are but I also recognize that it is a gifting in which the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. Communicating God’s overwhelming and fascinating love to my life. I felt this in three worship services over the last two days — moved to tears by the presence of God revealed in praise.
What am I sharing all this? Perhaps it because of the position of Jesus’ heart in this passage. Maybe I am looking at the attitude of Jesus calmly healing a boy possessed by a demon, and informing his followers that prayer matters and revealing a deep intimacy with the Father. Maybe it’s because I love for this intimacy, to be more steadfast, more disciplined, to seek Christ more. Although my flesh is often weak, my spirit is more than willing. But I can not do it alone. Growing closer to Christ will require more of his strength as I seek to know and follow the heart of God.
Will you seek him with me? Will you pray for a deep faith, a greater commitment, a truer relationship so that Christ might be glorified in you?
“O Lord God, you are a good and loving God. In the midst of this Kingdom work, I find my rest in you. I am often too content in my ways and satisfied with how I know you. But I want to understand more of you, to walk closer and to reflect your light in greater ways. Come now, Holy Spirit, bend my will to your desires. Strengthen me, my family, my friends and partners in ministry that we might welcome the Spirit in our midst. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen