ODJ: a leaning faith
I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! (v.24).
READ: Mark 9:14-29
When I was 6 years old, I stood atop the neighborhood pool’s 12-foot high dive while my parents tried to coax me to take the plunge. I was afraid of heights, and they wanted me to face my fears. So they had encouraged me to climb up and give it a try. However, I stood atop the small tower for 10 minutes, protesting that I simply couldn’t. The moment didn’t require anything fancy, no triple-flips or corkscrew twists. I really didn’t even have to jump. All I needed to do was step to the edge and lean the tiniest bit. Gravity would have taken care of the rest.
Jesus encountered a man whose faith halted at the edge. For years, a demon had terrorized his son. So the desperate father carried his boy to Jesus (vv.17-18). With two sons of my own, I can’t imagine the dad’s agony, as he watched his boy’s body tormented by violent convulsions, constant falls, and “writhing and foaming at the mouth” (v.20).
The father brought his son to Jesus because he knew that He was the only one who could help. None of the religious leaders or healers, despite all their attempts, had been able to do anything for him. As Jesus asked the dad about his son’s grim condition, however, the father’s answer evidenced his conflicted hopes. His hesitation showed: “Help us if You can,” he said.
Pushing back and prodding the man’s courage, Jesus answered, “If I can?” Immediately, a spark of faith lit in the father. “I do believe; help my unbelief” (v.24 NAS). Such an honest confession—words of faith mixed with doubt. But Jesus’ heart quickly responded; and without hesitation, He healed the boy.
While receiving from Jesus requires our faith, this faith is simply an act of openness, a willingness to just lean (even if barely) and allow Jesus to take care of the rest. —Winn Collier
Where are you most desperate for God to act for (or in) you? What holds you back from simply leaning toward Him?
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Loading ...ODB: a last farewell
July 18, 2010
READ: 2 Timothy 4:6-22
I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. —2 Timothy 4:6
After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, 47-year-old Randy Pausch returned to Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a final lecture to colleagues, students, and friends. The professor of computer science thought that perhaps 150 people might show up. Instead the 400-seat auditorium was packed. For an hour, Randy opened his heart to them in a humorous, insightful, and moving farewell that was focused more on living than dying. Within weeks, the videotaped lecture had been seen by millions on the Internet and later became the seed of a bestselling book. Those facing death often have an unusually clear perspective on what is truly important in life.
The apostle Paul’s last farewell has inspired countless followers of Christ through the centuries. “The time of my departure is at hand,” wrote Paul. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-7). Paul’s instruction to Timothy spans the ages to challenge us as well. The letter begins and ends with God’s grace (1:2; 4:22) and in between is a celebration of the unceasing faithfulness of God.
A message from the dying can give purpose to the living. Paul’s triumphant finale, “To Him be glory forever and ever” (4:18), is a message we can all live by. —David McCasland
If we are ready to die, we are ready to live.
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