2/2/10 Mark 9
Take Pity and Help
(Mk 9:22b)22“But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!”
This was the cry of a man that was desperate for his son to be healed from demon possession. In the next verse Jesus draws attention to the condition of “if” that this man has placed on Jesus. Most people would agree that Jesus can do anything. But the question is do we really believe it? It is one thing to say it, and another to depend on that confession. What is interesting is how Jesus attaches the condition not on His ability, but the belief (faith) of the man asking. The man humbly responds by acknowledging his imperfect faith saying, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”
Today as believers I wonder where is our desperation that we would cry out for the Lord to “take pity on us and help us.” We know that he is able, but do we see the desperate need of the hour? Do we believe? Do you believe that the world can change? Do you believe that circumstances can change? Do you believe that our church can change? Do you believe that your family can change? Do you believe that you can change? It is easy to look at all the ills of the world or loved ones and say they need Jesus, but do I see the desperate need of the hour in regards to my sinful ways? When I am honest I must respond “take pity on me and help me.” Simply spoken I need Jesus. Like the great hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” I need Jesus every hour to conquer the flesh that wages war against the Spirit. I need Jesus to transform and renew my mind, so my mind is set on God’s interest and not man’s, as yesterday’s blog entry highlighted. I need Jesus in my joy and pain. I need Jesus to help my unbelief. When Jesus takes pity on me and helps me, He is in fact changing the world.
Prayer: Father, I ask for Your pity and help in my life. I desperately want You to perform in me a work that I cannot perform myself. Change my character to match the character of Jesus. Thank you for providing us Yourself, that all are to imitate. I do believe, but help my unbelief. In Jesus Name. Amen.