Jesus and three of his apostles came down the mountain after Jesus was transfigured to find a large crowd, confusion, and arguing. (Mark 9:14-15) The commotion centered around a father who wanted Jesus to drive an evil (unclean) spirit out of his boy.
The signs of demon possession in the New Testament include: speechlessness (Matthew 9:33); deafness (Mark 9:25); blindness (Matthew 12:22); fierceness (Matthew 8:28); unusual strength (Mark 5:4); convulsions (Mark 1:26); and foaming at the mouth (Luke 9:39). Most of the New Testament references to demon possession appear in the Gospels and represent the outburst of satanic opposition to God’s work in and through Christ. The gospel writers made clear distinctions between diseases and the work of demons in and through a person. (Matthew 4:23-24)
The nine apostles who did not go up the mountain could not drive the unclean spirit out (40). Interesting because a short while before when Jesus sent all twelve apostles out they could. (9:1-2, 6; Mark 6:7, 13; Matthew 10:1, 8) To them Jesus said, “O unbelieving and perverse generation how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” (Matthew 17:19-21; Mark 9:28-29)
Considering my own faith, or rather lack of faith, I am ashamed. I know and accept all the Bible says and enjoy exploring its great riches. I commune with God in prayer and meditation. I meet with fellow believers regularly. Yet, on a day-to-day basis, when life comes at me like a manic, I am no different than the nine apostles. Lord, put up with me as I seek today to apply faith.
