Spurgeon Meditations

 

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe.

Mar 9 23

A certain man had a demoniac son who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child had little or no faith in Christ and therefore when he was bidden to bring his son to Him he said to Jesus If Thou cast do anything, havecompassion on us, and help us. Now there was an "if" in the question but the poor trembling father had put the "if" in the wrong place: Jesus Christ therefore without commanding him to retract the "if kindly puts it in its legitimate position. Nay verily He seemed to say, there should be no 'if' about My power nor concerning My willingness the 'if' lies somewhere else." "If thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth." The man's trust was strengthened he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith and instantly Jesus spoke the word and the devil was cast out with an injunction never to return. There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We like this man often see that there is an "if" somewhere but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. "If" Jesus can help me--"if" He can give me grace to overcome temptation--"if" He can give me pardon--"if" He can make me successful? Nay if you can believe He both can and will. You have misplaced your "if." If you can confidently trust even as all things are possible to Christ so shall all things be possible to you. Faith standeth in God's power and is robed in God's majesty; it weareth the royal apparel and rideth on the King's horse for it is the grace which the King delighteth to honour. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit it becomes in the omnipotence of God mighty to do to dare and to suffer. All things without limit are possible to him that believeth. My soul canst thou believe thy Lord to-night?


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