Biblical Deliverance: The Jesus Modelनमुना

Who is qualified to perform a deliverance?

Many times I hear people tell me that, “I am not gifted to do deliverance.” Every time this is said, my heart is saddened. We see a similar thing happen in this story with Jesus. It says that Jesus responded to the pointless arguing and lack of faith of His disciples by saying,“You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?”

As we see in this story, Jesus never states that deliverance is a gift for just a few special disciples. However, deliverance is a benefit for the ones who truly believe in Him.

Soon after, we see Jesus having a compassionate conversation with the boy's father. Just think about it, his son has been tormented by an unclean spirit for several years now. Day after day, the boy's father sees his son who is deaf and can’t speak to him. The father doesn’t know if this could be the boy's last day on earth as the unclean spirit tries to kill the boy. He probably heard the many stories in his town that there was this Rabbi and His followers who have been performing miracles. I believe the father bringing the young boy to Jesus’ disciples was a desperate plea for help. The father explains what has been happening to his son for all these years and then he says this at the end of verse 22, “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”

You have to love Jesus’ response here. Let's see what the Rabbi says in the following verses. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

That’s it. Belief. But my question to you is, do you believe?

Jesus is not only telling the disciples to believe but the father as well. And the Bible is clear, belief starts in the heart. (Romans 10:9-10) What Jesus is essentially saying here is that if you believe (in Me) you can bring deliverance to this young boy, your son. Do you really think Jesus wants all fathers and/or mothers to leave their homes and find a few “gifted” people to bring deliverance to their tormented children? Think about that for a moment. That's asking a lot. However, this still happens today because of the lack of belief in homes and church buildings all around the world. But this can stop with us.

Later in Mark 16:15-18, Jesus supports His previous statement to the father when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection again rebuking them for unbelief. The story goes on to say, “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

Question, are you anyone? Yes, you are! Jesus is lovingly trying to call all of us who believe in Him to join in the fight against the enemy. Again, we are called to destroy the works of the devil.

I hope that today’s devotional has encouraged you that all you have to do is believe in Jesus, (which means His birth, sinless life, death, burial and resurrection) to be qualified to join the deliverance ministry. Isn’t that exciting news?

Prayer

Father, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.