Day 21: What an amazing love
'When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you: Come out of him and never enter him again.” Then it came out, shrieking and throwing him into terrible convulsions. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus, taking him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.' Mark 9:25-27
Typically, when I study a passage in depth, it is for the purpose of teaching, so I find and focus on the main point. For this devotional, I want to keep with the theme of our lent series, which is “Love So Amazing.” To hear more on the main point of this passage,I would encourage you to listen to Pete Bell’s excellent sermon to hear about the battle for belief and prayer. For now, let’s look at a love so amazing in these verses.
Were you surprised by the question Jesus asked the father of the demon possessed boy when he was brought to him? He asks, “How long has this been happening to him?” Why would Jesus ask this? Was it because he didn’t know? Of course not! He is omniscient – he knows everything. So, why does he ask this question? Surely it’s because he wanted to hear the father’s incredibly painful story. The father wasn’t just coming to a powerful miracle worker, but to a compassionate person who cares about individual pain and suffering. He cares about the struggles we have in life. He cares about the things that devastate us and break our hearts. What an amazing love!
The writer of Hebrews should also encourage us here when he says, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
This past year has been an extremely difficult one. Many of us are hurting for a number of reasons and yet, Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. When we are hurting, we want to share our feelings and needs with someone who understands. Jesus understands, he has been there.
Imagine the thought of travelling to Buckingham Palace to approach the queen on her throne and share our troubles with her. Even if we could (or wanted to!) what would she be able to do? The amazing news is someone infinitely more powerful, merciful, faithful and understanding, has invited us to draw near to his throne in our time of need. We can come with confidence and assurance to the throne of grace. The One who sits there loves to hear from us, even when it’s about our struggles, pains and heartbreak. He sympathizes and he answers prayers that are prayed according to his will. Like the father of the demon possessed boy, I urge you to come to Jesus. Tell him your story. Cast all your cares upon him, because he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7). What an amazing love!
Written by Reagan Eddins
Today's passage: Mark 9:14-29
Further reading: Phil 2:1-11; Heb. 5:1-10
A question to ask: Where do you turn with your troubles, pain, cares and anxieties instead of Jesus?
A song to sing: What a friend we have in Jesus