Sunday Morning Serenity

Humans have been human for a long, long time. For ages, we've struggled to overcome our own selfish impulses and heed the divine call. Right now, I'm reading the Gospel of Mark, who wasn't one of the 12 disciples but who traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey. Even though this is the shortest of the Gospels, written in a rapid-fire style that moves quickly through the events of Jesus' ministry, it still includes repeated instances of humankind—including the disciples themselves—just not getting it. For example, James and John, the sons of Zebadee, ask Jesus if they can sit on His right and left in His glory. "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" (Mark10:35-38). You don't know what you are asking. I have to wonder how many prayers I have prayed that brought that same response from God. You don't know what you are asking.  In Chapter 9, Mark records how a father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. The man tells Jesus that he had first taken the boy to the disciples, but they were unable to heal him: "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" (Mark 9:19). They bring the boy to Jesus, and the father says, "But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." And Jesus replies, "'If you can'? Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:22-23). Oh. My. Goodness. Someone actually said to Christ, "Help me if you can"? Who on earth would do that— approach God with such a shaky faith riddled with doubt? Who would ever say to God Almighty "if you can"? Who would . . . wait a minute. I think I might've done that a time or two. In fact, I know I have. To be clear, there's a big difference between saying to God "if it be Your will," versus "if You can." The first is an expression of submission, the second of doubt. So what's the cure for doubt? Keep reading Mark: "Immediately, the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" After Jesus drives out the boy's demon, His disciples ask him why they were unable to do it. And Jesus replies, "This kind can come out only by prayer" (Mark 9:29). I think I might have a few "demons" of that stripe myself—the kind of doubt and fear that can "come out only by prayer." And so I'll go to church this morning with the words of an old song running through my head: It's me, it's me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer!

Comments

[sally cobb]

Ienjoyed reading this one especially. They are all good and always give me pause to think. At this time in my life I know who important it is to be very close friends with Jesus and realize that we have not because we ask not. Thanks for your words you do more good than you know.

[Valerie]

I've been thinking about you and lifted you up just a few minutes ago! You have so many people who love you and are praying for you. I sure needed you "in my youth":) and was very blessed to have you as my teacher and friend. Big hugs to you!