October 21, 2022
And He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer." (Mark 9:29)
Jesus brought the kingdom of God to earth ... to a world filled with the enemy’s work. There was a weapon He used that is available to use yet rarely employed by most of His followers.
Here in Mark 9, a demon-oppressed boy was brought to Christ. He was mute and also having episodes that we would describe as epilepsy. Those seizures were often casting him "both into the fire and into the water to destroy him," the father said, reminding us that the devil comes to "steal, kill, and destroy." He is so diabolical that he will even attack helpless children.
THE LIMITS OF THE DISCIPLES
The disciples were unable to deal with this. Jesus spoke directly to the demon, commanding him to come out and "never enter him again." When the disciples asked why they had been unable to deal with it, Jesus replied, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
THE EXCLUSIVITY OF PRAYER
I do not pretend to understand all of this. But one thing this illustrates: there are things that God plans to do through prayer that He will not do any other way. (Read that sentence again and think about it personally—for your life and ministry).
The average Christian prays so little. As a result, we see so little of this kind of miracle that we think it is impossible in our day. Whole theories surround why such things have probably passed away.
But God has not changed. Our unbelief and our lack of prevailing, persevering prayer are the culprits. Next time you face a seemingly impossible situation, remember Christ's prescription:
"This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."
Father, teach us to pray. Teach us to pray often and always. Train us to pray without ceasing. And then, Lord, teach us how to pray. Show us the height and depth of communion with You and move it from a duty to a delight. From a tool to a treasure.
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