Performance In Christianity series
Lunatic Boy With A Demon- Performance of Jesus
The mass opinions of some theologians are based on a clinical diagnosis that fails to account for spiritual engagement. In biblical times the term "lunatick" (see Matthew 4:24) described a demon oppressing (not possessing) a person who was affected by periodic rhythmic phases of the moon and influenced by a demon or demonic activity. The moon's gravity pulls at the Earth, causing predictable rises and falls in sea levels known as tides. (space.com-Moon Facts) Jesus acted beyond science, which is still far behind the operation of God. The engagement of spiritual forces and the physical effects of planet earth are always a subject of study for a scientist.
Mark 9:17-29 describes with clarity the effects of this lunatic (not all are the same) and strength of the demon. Apparently, the child was healthy at one time, but the oppression of the demon came later in his childhood. All three renditions of this miracle include the statement of Jesus concerning the "faithless generation," indicating His frustration with the disciples, they walked with Him every day but were not showing the signs of performance that would certify them for ministry.
As in previous narratives, Jesus assesses this person's belief. Nothing is possible for those who don't want to do the work of Faith. He is the source of Faith, and if your spiritual work or performance is grounded in what He does, then the promise of mountain-moving power is released for the Glory of God. Most of us are stricken with the duality of belief and unbelief, we believe in part and need the help or paraclete of the Holy Spirit to assist our unbelief.
Luke 9:38-43, the man came to Jesus because His disciples lacked the power to cast out the demon. Of note is that while some modern theologians consider this to be the evidence of an epileptic diagnosis, a physical condition, but the scriptures indicate this demonic activity. This was an opportunity for the disciples; they had the awareness but didn't have the wisdom and the power.
Jesus rebuked or reprimanded the demon and healed the boy meaning that whatever was physically was wrong; Jesus corrected with the Mighty Power of God (Luke 4:6). For a rebuke to be effective, it must be given by someone with authority. Jesus has jurisdiction over the demon, and it recognized Him and the power of God within Him (Philippians 3:10).
Matthew 17:14-21
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a [certain] man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 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. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 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. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
The LORD (our) Healer, Jehovah Rophe (Exodus 15:26), we thank You for the evidence of Truth, allowing us to see the difference between the physical and the spiritual. We praise You because Your Grace will enable us to discern Your Will and what You want us to do. We decree and declare blessings upon those who suffer for salvation, so that; the Work of our Faith brings us into Your presence for the Kingdom of God. Now, for the Kingdom and the Glory of God, we petition, with anointing in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, Amen.
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