How LONG....

How Long?

If you are like me you have heard this phrase in many settings…

How long until we get to Grandmas?

How long will it take to find a bathroom?

How long is that movie?

How long will I have to stay there?

How long?  What an interesting question. 

Unless…

You are one of the disciples and it is Jesus asking the question.  

Let’s drop in on the conversation.  Three disciples had just visited the mountain with Jesus.  Now they return and here is the scene, “When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them…” Why the crowd?  While the three were on the mountain seeing things that moved their heart, the other 9 had been in the heat of the battle with a man and his son who had been possessed by a demon.  Things had not gone so well.

Jesus hears about what has happened, the question arises...

“You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?”  (emphasis mine) 

Wow.  These guys had been walking with Jesus and they had seen some great things.  They had done some great things.  Yet, “how long”?  Is this the thanks they get for their wrestling match with their faith and a demon?

Visit a dozen presentations of this passage and you may find a dozen different perspectives on why Jesus chose to say this to his closest followers.  I will not add to the plethora of thoughts at this time.  What caught my eye in this passage was the interaction after this little rebuke from the rabbi’s hand.

“Bring me the boy” Jesus says. And then, then those pesky words raise their head again, “How long has this been happening?”  Don’t you think that Jesus could have gotten this answer without asking?  He often had knowledge of things pertaining to the people in need around him. 

I know he was human, but the Spirit had clued him in a number of times when those around him had thoughts about something he was or wasn’t doing.

 

So, why ask?  I think he asked both groups “how long” for their own good.  

Hang in with me here.

The first group, the disciples, HAD seen and done some amazing things while following Jesus.  But there was more ground for them to cover before he would leave them.

 

The second group, the boys papa had a similar need.  He asks Jesus “how long” and the father responds “Since he was a little boy... Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” 

Wait a minute. 

One group thought they could but in reality wasn't to and found the sharp end of Jesus’ inquiry.  The father was tired and wondered if Jesus “could” and finds a similar pointed response. 

Why?

Jesus knew both of them needed to take the next step so they could find the faith they were seeking.

It is the same for us.  There are times when we ask “how long”.  And in response we find biting answers.  No relief from cancer.  No money to end the financial strain.  No love to encourage the hurt heart.  Just “how long”.

Then, it seems once you get a glimpse of the one who says he has the answer, you find another question.  Maybe more than one.  And your heart sinks.

Hang in there.

The “how long” followed by “how long” from the savior is for my good.  It's also for your good.  

He knows us.  He loves us.  He is the answer that is better than the answer we seek.

And for all of those present that day their eyes saw what their hearts questioned.  “When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit…I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!... Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.”

Before I close, I have to admit, I purposefully left out one phrase I think is the glue of this passage for me.  I take this phrase to heart every time I have a “how long” moment.  

It stands out between the accounts of  the two groups.  I believe it’s the lesson my heart needed when I visited this story years ago.  Your heart may need the same breath of fresh air. 

Jesus says,  “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”  Once again, we hear the tough words of a tender man. 

The father’s response is telling of his struggle.  Mine also.  "The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”  That is me!  With all my years of attending church, studying the bible and sharing truth over a desk or diet coke, I am often where the father of this boy is.  “help my unbelief.”

And Jesus does. 

I believe it was honesty that moved the heart of Jesus.

I think it still does today.

I believe it was their need for honesty that prompted him to ask "how long."

I believe he still probes today.

Join me.  Be honest.  Admit that all your questions are not answered. 

Jesus may have been upset with these men, maybe not.  I can’t say for sure.  I can only read what is written and there is no emotion police to tell me what he was thinking and feeling.  

But the words that are captured there seized this heart of feeble faith. 

When push came to shove, everyone had the chance to have their “unbelief” transformed into confidence.  

Jesus answers the cry of “help my unbelief” with the power needed to pave the road for their next step of faith.   

I don't believe anything can stop his quest for mining out your skepticism and replacing it with stone with a gem of faith.

He loves you.  He always has.  He always will.

Admit it, sometimes you don’t believe it.

He is able to walk those steps with you…

He has more at stake in this battle than you do.  He died for you to have victory.

Until next time.