Mark 9:22-24
“If”
is such a big word wrapped up in such a little word. It has similar power as
the word “but” when it is used in almost any sentence. I love you, but …. I
would help you, but …. This medicine will help you, but …. The “but” negates
everything said before it. In love there are not buts. Help or don’t help. Don’t
make excuses. And I know one of the side effects of the medicine is death, so
thanks so much for the offer.
The
word “if” put into a sentence when asking for help places a big doubt right in
the middle. “If you can” doesn’t express any confidence in the one being asked.
You are really saying, “I really don’t think you can, but it is polite to act
like you can.” Or it can be used as a manipulation word. “If you really cared….”
You are trying to use the fact that they value their reputation as a caring
person to get what you want.
Our
text tells us about a man who is very discouraged. He has brought his son to
the disciples to get him helped. They have been unable to help. All their best
efforts have failed. And I can be this man has tried many other things, gone
many other places, asked many other people for help, but all without the
desired effect.
And
on top of the failure to help, this man and his son get dragged into the middle
of a theological debate. His son becomes a matter of intellectual mumbo jumbo.
All this man wants is help, and he gets sidetracked. I can imagine him yelling,
“Just fix my boy, and I don’t care how you do it!” But he holds his tongue.
Jesus
enters and He wants to know a bit about the boy and his father. He takes
interest. He doesn’t sidetrack him. And then the big “IF” enters. And even in
this, Jesus still draws the man in closer. He gives him the opportunity to be
real.
Faith
and doubt can exist at the same time in an individual. To put it another way,
faith is not the absence of all doubt. That is good news for us ordinary folks.
I know I have some doubts. How about you?
And
what I find remarkable is that this man asks Jesus to help him with those areas
of unbelief. What a wonderful prayer that would make for us. Lord, help me
overcome by unbelief! It is honest. It is raw. It doesn’t hide behind a
religious pretense. It isn’t trying to keep up the appearances. It is right
where he lives, even when all the imperfections are showing.
Oh,
that we could be this honest with the LORD and with each other about our own
spiritual struggles. Oh, that we could be this honest with ourselves!