Take Two: Mark 9, Proverbs 19

Chapter 9 begins with the transfiguration. Mark 9:2-8 relates that Jesus went up the mountain with his inner circle of disciples (Peter, James, and John). This was a special time of revelation for these men, since represented on the mountain were Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets)...and Jesus (the Son of God). In Mark 9:5, Peter decides to break the silence...mostly because he was overwhelmed and did not know what to say. He told Jesus that it was good to be there and that they should make three tabernacles...one for each (Moses, Elijah, and Jesus).

The tabernacle is the place of meeting with God. While each man represented a different era (or if you are a student of Eschatology {i.e. "end-times theology"}, different "dispensations") there is something unique about Jesus. The testimony from God (Mark 9:7) is that Jesus is uniquely God's Son and the purveyor of truth on relating to God. Both Elijah and Moses were honored...but Jesus was the One God pointed to and instructed Peter to listen to. This is because Jesus was the substance of the message preached in the Law and in the Prophets. He is God's Messiah.

Mark 9:9-13 speaks of John the Baptist. He is the one who came in the spirit of Elijah. The disciples wanted to know how to process their new information with what had been taught by the Scribes. Jesus did not discount the information taught by the Scribes...only related that they missed the "person" that their teachings pointed to.

Mark 9:14-29 gives an interesting account of a healing Jesus performed. Let me make a quick observation. I have met and "read" people who are convinced that this is a boy who had epilepsy and not a demon. They explain it in very scientific ways and then condescend to tell me that it is only explained as "demonic" because they did not have the knowledge to call it what it was. They are wrong in their assessment. How can I be so arrogant as to call them "wrong?" Simply...because the Word of God says the boy had a demon and that Jesus cast it out and ordered it never to return again. We can either believe some dude 2000 years after the event...or we can believe Jesus who was there.

Now, the significance of this account for me relates to both the time elapsed between Mark 9:20-25; and the faith exhibited by the boy's father. It seems that the boy experienced the seizure for some time (seconds or minutes) before Jesus interrupted. At least long enough for Jesus to have a conversation with the father. Jesus waited to heal the boy while He talked with the father about his belief. The father made one of the greatest statements on the human experience and our Godward response, "I believe...help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). The disciples were a bit perplexed at the event, since they had tried unsuccessfully to cast out the demon. Jesus explained His success in Mark 9:29.

Whether you believe in "stubborn demons" or "prayerless disciples," one thing is certain...with Jesus all things are possible...for His glory!

I love the final exchanges of the chapter. In the midst of teaching on the resurrection (Mark 9:30-32) and teachings on holiness and discipleship (Mark 9:38-50), the disciples had a discussion on who was the "coolest" among them (Mark 9:33-37). These guys give me hope. God is into regular people with regular stuff and regular struggles. He meets us where we are and then refuses to leave us there.

Proverbs 19:27 is the takeaway today. Wisdom and understanding come with applied discipline. As we discipline ourselves to pursue knowledge and understanding, we develop wisdom. When we stop being intentional, we drift away from the Word of knowledge. Are you disciplined in your approach to God and His Word? Or, do you come and go as you feel "moved" along the way. Discipline is not bad...it is our friend.