Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-32, and Luke 9:37-45 all record the same events that occur immediately after the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus is confronted with the same struggles and suffering he was dealing with before his transfiguration. This high water mark, mountain top experience did not last long. This is a stark reminder to us all that we are to take each day and each experience in stride as we journey into Christ-likeness.
This event of the demon possessed child reveals a crucial point in identifying the difference between fallen angels and demons...fallen angels (sons of God in the Old Testament) can materialize and take on human form (Genesis 6:1-4, Job 38:7, Revelation 12:3-4) while demons need a host (Matthew 8:28-33).
None of the disciples could cast out this one singular demon, even though Jesus had commissioned them to do just that in Matthew 10:5-8. We can see his extreme disappointment in these men. He is on his way to die for the nation, and his disciples are not stepping up into leadership roles in his absence. The devotional picture is extremely telling for us today. How are we growing into mature believers, and fulfilling our responsibilities of ministry and service in the body of Christ?
There are three main steps in our growth in Christ:
Knowledge: Receiving truth – 2 Timothy 2:2, Philippians 4:9, Proverbs 18:5 Wisdom: sharing knowledge with others– 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, Ecclesiastes 7:19 Understanding: application of the wisdom received – Proverbs 16:22
Proverbs 2:1-7: My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
Proverbs 4:5-7: Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Remember: Information without application breeds frustration.
