Tuesday, October 25
A twofer
Scripture: Ezekiel 43-45, Psalm 123, Mark 9
Mark 9:7–8 A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!”
8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
Mark 9:28–29 After he had gone into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
29 And he told them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer.”
Observation
I usually only do one thing; today, two.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. Moses the Lawgiver; Elijah the Prophet—the Law and the Prophets, the ways God had spoken. Then a cloud envelopes them, the voice says “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And when the cloud lifted, it was Jesus alone. No doubt about it: listen to Jesus! God had spoken through the Law and Prophets; now He is speaking through His Son. Listen to Jesus!
After Jesus had driven out a demon, the disciples asked why they had been unable. Jesus said that this kind comes out only by prayer. But there is no record of Jesus praying at the exorcism—He just commanded it out. However, Jesus had just come from the mountain where He had gone to pray. Evidently, it was that extended prayer time that empowered Him to cast out the demon. This suggests that prayer changes and empowers us. It’s about more than just asking and receiving; it’s about equipping.
Application
First, listen to Jesus. Believe what He says and go do it. This is discipleship 101. We follow Jesus by listening to what He says, believe Him and obey. Listen to His word in Scripture; listen for the Spirit’s leading. Listen and obey.
Second, pray. Prayer empowers me. Being in God’s presence imbues me with authority, power to do God’s work. So take some time to pray, to be with God, and you’ll come away empowered and changed.
Prayer: Lord, there are my two assignments for the day. Help me to listen and obey, and to pray and be empowered.