PRESENCE, PRAYER - POWER
10th Mar 2021
In Mark 3:13-15, Jesus gave his disciples authority to drive out demons, to preach and to heal the sick - they did just that, and Mark 6 :13 records the results. They were sent to use His delegated authority, His Name, and they saw many people healed and released from demonic influence.
However, in Mark 9, they failed to deliver a very sick boy tormented by a spirit that robbed him of speech and tried to kill him by driving him into into fire and water. Jesus was not present when this happened, he was with Peter, James and John on the mountain where He was transfigured by the glory of God and covered by the cloud of God’s presence.
Jesus coming from the presence of God is immediately involved with the disappointed father, the crowd, the other disciples and teachers of the law all arguing and shouting. When they saw Jesus, it is recorded they were “overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.”
What was it that so attracted them to Him? Had the glory of the mountain lingered as with Moses when he met with God’s presence? We are not told, but something overwhelmed them. Jesus delivers the boy in a violent confrontation leaving the child as if dead. Jesus then takes him by the hand, lifts him up, and returns him to his father, totally restored.
Later the disciples asked why they and not been able to deal with this. Jesus answered, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.” Thinking about this I linked “presence, prayer and power.”
Jesus had spent time in his Father’s presence, it was obvious to the crowd and resulted in a powerful healing. Spending time in God’s presence is wonderful, it is beyond words, you are imbibing something supernatural that manifests in power. You cannot contrive this, you are not coming for specific resources, simply to be with the Godhead. In His presence you truly know that nothing is impossible with God.
Psalm 65:1 in the Message says, “Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God.” You may not use words but your whole being can be understood, refreshed, replenished, re-empowered, your perspectives changed, your questions answered. Never underestimate the amazing privilege of drawing near to God, and don’t neglect it.
His presence is always with the believer, but when we choose to wait before Him in adoration, devotion and give Him time - amazing things will happen. “Be still and know that I am God.”
Chris Bowater has a wonderful song - “In your presence I am content” click this link and be encouraged.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
