Paul’s words to Timothy ring true. “In the last days, perilous times will come.”(1) Jesus told us nation would rise against nation, kingdoms would go to war, and calamities would strike in ever increasing rhythm. Uncertainty and fear are the watchwords of the day. Markets are unstable and values are threatened. More than ever, we lift our eyes and hope for the eminent return of our Lord. Yet, for the believer, faith in Christ remains the constant that will see us through our times.
When every other foundation crumbles, what is it about authentic, biblical faith that makes it so powerful?
Biblical faith has a specific object. A story in Mark chapter nine becomes a potent lesson. A man is in the throes of his own perilous times. He knows nothing but difficulty and fear. His son is possessed by an unclean spirit, and he has nowhere to turn. Jewish national faith in God was at its lowest point, and whatever remained of Israel’s great expressions of worship were now impotent. The man was alone, until news reached him of a man who held authority over demons.
Hope was rekindled. Help was within a day’s journey. If only he could get to the one called Jesus of Nazareth, his precious son would find deliverance. We can almost see life return to the man’s discouraged face as he forgets his long days of trouble and begins to envision the restoration of his family. Jesus would be the object of a renewed faith.
Biblical faith maintains a simplicity in its expression. Jesus was evidently busy when father and son found the crowd. Many were there with similar difficulties, and Jesus was touching them all. Whether by decision, or by design, Jesus’ disciples were the first to bring ministry to the man. The Scripture does not reveal much about the scene. We don’t know if Jesus’ men were just attempting to emulate the Master, or the demon was simply too much for them to handle. We do know their ministry did not work.
The new light of hope in the man must have been dimming as he approached Jesus. For in explaining the problem, the man slipped into a desperate plea: “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."(2) No, the father’s faith was not in the form of a positive confession of victory. There was no attempt to conjure a belief that did not exist. He simply expressed his need to the only one who could meet it.
How often we are tempted to turn to other sources. At times, we forget who holds us in his hands. But Jesus will never fail to touch us in our deepest need.
Biblical faith is sustained by the Word of God. Jesus responded to the father’s plea by revealing the limitless possibilities that accompanied a true belief. Nothing is impossible, and any trouble can be overcome. In that instant, the man seemed to get it. The overwhelming weight of his difficulties continued to hold sway over part of him, maybe even a large part of him. But a spark of faith existed, and with that little fire, the man chose to believe the Word of the Lord. “I believe; help my unbelief!”(3)
In his version of the story, Matthew takes us further into Jesus’ lesson. The disciples were perplexed, wondering why they didn’t have the power to cast out the demon. Jesus explained; “…if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”(4) Yes, the man’s faith was only a spark, but Jesus’ faith was immense. The simple expression of belief on the part of the father was enough. In the end, his world of trouble was overcome. The same will be true for you and me. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.(5)
Today, when people are crying out for peace and safety because of its lack, when fear has gripped the planet, and every manmade foundation is being shaken, one constant remains. A simple, steadfast faith, whose object is Jesus Christ, will overcome a world troubles. Hold tight to that spark. Believe the word of the Lord. Your perilous times will lead to new possibilities.
Hang in there, Jesus is coming!
Pastor Jim
1 First Timothy 3:1 (ESV)
2 Mark 9:22b (ESV)
3 Mark 9:24 (ESV)
4 Matthew 17:20 (ESV)
5 Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
