Mark_9
ScriptureMark 9:2323 “’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”ObservationChapter 9 begins with the finish of Jesus speech to the crowd – where he called out “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me….” Then the transfiguration occurs – where Jesus takes Peter, James and John with him up on a mountain and they have a legit mountain top experience, finding themselves in the presence of God. Once they come down, he is approached from within a large crowd by someone seeking healing for their possessed son and a father’s plea “…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”UnderstandingI always find myself both annoyed and compassionate towards the unbelievers. Annoyed, because as we read it seems clear as day that people should see and believe how amazing Jesus/God is – with all His healing powers and huge enveloping love and crazy miracles…yet they doubt and question. And, compassionate, because I’m the EXACT. SAME. WAY. But what I love about the God we serve and what’s exemplified here is that God lets the compassion win. He’s probably annoyed too! Annoyed and frustrated with the “unbelieving generation” but compassionate enough to never leave us in our mess. Just like He chooses to heal the boy in this story, He chooses to pour our His love, grace and mercy on us unbelieving and/or doubting sinners. Life ApplicationGod, I’m forever grateful for your love, your patience, your crazy compassionate heart! Thank you for not leaving us undone, for not giving up on us, for just continuing to let compassion win as you STILL deal with an “unbelieving generation” – thousands of years later! May I be just as willing to let your love win – choosing compassion over frustration, forgiveness over resentment, your truth over our assumptions about people. Let your love shine through me in every interaction and to every person I encounter today. In your name I pray, Amen. - ReiTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.