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Wednesday July 9 - Be lifted up
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. Mark 9:2
Having spoken about the cross, Jesus took his closest confidants, Peter, James and John, to a mountaintop, and there revealed his glory. Jesus was seen talking to Moses and Elijah, who represented the law and the prophetic scriptures which found their fulfilment in Jesus (Luke 24:25-27). Before their eyes Jesus was transfigured; the barren mountaintop was filled with Christ’s all-consuming glory. The disciples stirred from slumber (Luke 9:32) to realise they had been taken up to a ‘holy of holies’.
This was no ‘out of body’ experience but the greatest of graces – being lifted from the humdrum, suffering world to a heavenly place. Was it to be an experience reserved exclusively for ‘super-apostles’? Ephesians 2:6 declares otherwise; God has “raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This is a profound spiritual truth that speaks of the incredible blessings we as believers enjoy. We are raised with Christ; once dead in transgression and sin, we now share in the triumph of his resurrection. We are seated with Christ to be co-heirs with him (Romans 8:17), enjoying his rest (Hebrews 1:3) and fellowship (John 14:21), and now free of condemnation (Romans 8:1). This is ‘present-continuous’ stuff, a glimpse of eternal glories to come, to be fully revealed when Christ returns. Hallelujah!
Heavenly Father, shake me from my slumber to be aware that you have lifted me to sit with you in heavenly realms. May I help others to come into this reality. Amen.
Thursday July 10 - Be prayerful
Jesus’ disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He
replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:28-29
Today, we encounter the harrowing account of a desperate father of a boy possessed by a destructive spirit that has rendered his son speechless. The father represents so many of us who cry out for our children. The situation is exacerbated by a religious establishment (the disciples and teachers of the law) unable to help, other than by entering into fruitless theological debate.
Jesus takes charge, instilling hope by declaring, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (v 23). Jesus casts out the deaf and mute spirit, returning the boy to his father. The disciples, instead of rejoicing, seem crestfallen, asking “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” They feel impotent, having seen the authority of Jesus at work. In private, Jesus gives the key: “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” Jesus prayed and fasted and expected the same of his disciples (Matthew 6:5,17-18). I have known a number of deep-rooted issues over which the Lord has called me to fast, sometimes for extended periods. Fasting is a demonstration of commitment, seriousness, sacrifice and faith. It’s a humble cry for help.
Although the disciples failed, their victory was found in approaching Jesus. Often, we fail simply because we do not seek God. If we lack wisdom we should ask God (James 1:5); sadly, he can often be our last resort. Join with me today in praying for wisdom sufficient for the day.
All-wise, heavenly Father, I want you to always be my first port of call, not my last. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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