Bible Reading: Exodus 7-8; Matthew 17
“Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.” Matthew 17:17 (KJV)
As disciples or followers of Jesus Christ certain things are expected to be seen around us. These include things easily seen around Jesus when He was on earth. He was peace personified, loving, compassionate, caring and hated oppression, etc. These characteristics are also expected to be seen in His disciples, including you.
When a certain man brought his son to the disciples of Jesus it was not a mistake. But hear what the man said, Matthew 17:15-16 (KJV), “Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. [15] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.” This prompted Jesus’ response in our memory verse in Matthew 17:17 (KJV), “Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.”
The bible says without faith no man can please God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus also said the Father is with him because He does all that the Father wants Him to do (John 8:29). Jesus sees what the Father is doing and believes it and does same. He said in John 5:17 (NLT) “My Father is always working, and so am I.” Faith is of the heart. When it is settled in the heart manifestation occurs without sweat. Jesus never had issues beyond Him because He was connected to the One to whom all powers belong.
Association and closeness to Jesus does not make one automatically do the things He did. He was intensely disappointed and pained that His disciples could not heal the boy. This was one of the reasons why Jesus was anointed and sent to the earth. Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Yet, His disciples could not do the works He has done severally before them. Only faith in Him can make you do the works He did and even greater works (John 14:12). Again, remember that faith is of the heart and it comes by hearing and taking into your spirit through meditation the word of God.
Make a decision to please Jesus rather than cause Him pain by your unbelief. Build your faith so that you can represent Him anywhere and anytime and at any place. He even suggested the combined forces of prayer and fasting in dealing with stubborn cases (Matthew 17:21). He handpicked you so that you can bring others out of the pit the devil has dug them in.
Prayer: Father, help me build my faith so as to replicate the works Jesus did and bring You glory.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu