Faith and Unbelief
Mark 9:24
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief.


Take these words as —

I. THE VOICE OF ONE SEEKING SALVATION. Give Christ your whole confidence. Don't lose time in excuses, or lamentations, or in seeking fuller conviction. Cast yourself at once on the Rock of Ages — "Lord, I believe," But you say, "I seem to slip off the Rock again." Well, that is surely a sign that you are on, if you are afraid of slipping off. Then add, "Help Thou mine unbelief," i.e., "Hold me on the Rock; do Thou keep me from rolling off." No man is quite a stranger to the Lord, or an utter unbeliever, who with tears entreats Christ to put away his unbelief.

II. THE VOICE OF THE CHRISTIAN IN SOME ANGUISH OF SPIRIT. In adversity, when your faith is slipping away, bow before Jesus, saying — "Lord, I believe; I cling to Thee; I hang on Thee. Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." What did I say? Who am I, to utter such mighty words of confidence? And yet, at such an hour, I take them not back; but with tears I haste to add, "Lord, help Thou mine unbelief."

III. THE WORDS OF THE BELIEVER IN VIEW OF DUTY, OR OF SOME HOLY PRIVILEGE.

IV. THE VOICE OF THE WHOLE CHURCH ON EARTH, ANXIOUS FOR THE SALVATION OF HER CHILDREN.

(D. Fraser, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

WEB: Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"




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