An atmosphere of unbelief

Scripture: Mar 9:17-19 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Observation: So who was it that did not have faith? One might assume it was his nine disciples who stood watching and were unable to cast out the spirit. One might assume it was the Scribes who Jesus questioned when he arrived on the scene. Or it could be the father of the boy who spoke with Jesus. The Textus Receptus Greek seems to imply Jesus was speaking to the father, answering his question. This follows a spiritual principle that the father would have had spiritual authority over the boy since the boy was not yet of age. Thus the unbelief of the father would prevent the deliverance of the son. But certainly everyone was listening and Jesus would have considered that in his response. All involved had contributed to an atmosphere of unbelief, and Jesus had walked right into the middle of it. It was this atmosphere of unbelief that made the work of God difficult for Jesus' disciples to accomplish.

Application: How can we avoid developing an atmosphere of unbelief? Unfortunatly, we live in a society that is filled with unbelief. It is all around us, and it seems to be the default for whom we encouter. Most church services today begin with a time of worship, prayer, and Bible reading. These things help reduce and atmosphere of unbelief. Later in this chapter, Jesus instructed his disciples to fast and pray to overcome this type of unbelief. Many ministers who see miracles at their services will first teach on healing or deliverance before praying for those things to help disuade the atmosphere of unbelief and build up faith.

Prayer: Father help us to know your will. Let us discern spiritual things. Let us spend time each day in prayer and fasting. Let us work in your discipline and your authority to accomplish your will on earth, as it is in heaven... this day! Amen