The Curse of Unbelief
Today’s Verse:
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. ~Mark 6:5-6
The Kennedys are a very prominent American family. Three of the sons of Joe Kennedy became very prominent in political circles. Robert and Ted were key senators, and John rose to become the President. This family was powerful, influential, and had the favor of the populace. However, this was a family also struck by numerous tragedies that included failed marriages, alcoholism issues, the assassinations of John and Robert, and the untimely death of John Jr. in an airplane failure. Many in the media referred to the numerous tragedies as “the Kennedy curse.” My purpose is not to disparage or discredit this prominent family. Our hearts should be sympathetic to their tragedies. However, my purpose is so that we consider the significance of the meaning of and implication of a curse. A curse is an evil, misfortune, or trouble that goes beyond one person and incident. It is a misfortune that can be carried down to generations of people. This morning, I would like us to see the curse of unbelief.
There is the ESSENCE of unbelief.
“And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief.” Unbelief is the refusal to accept the authenticity, credentials, doctrines, facts, and proof of something that has been presented to us. Jesus went to His hometown of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue and do mighty works among His people. The people could not and would not acknowledge Him. They asked, “Is not this the carpenter?” and would not accept His veracity as the Christ. They asked, “Is not this the son of Mary?” and would not accept that He was the Son of the Most High God. Unbelief is underscored by a desire to prove that what you have heard is not right. It is doubtful skepticism. It is rejection of truth. It is a hardening of the heart against a proven demonstration. It is a stout, conceited unacceptance of divine revelation.
There is the EFFECT of unbelief.
We are told that Jesus could do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk. Unbelief hinders God from working in our midst. Unbelief makes our prayers weak and powerless. Unbelief limits God from doing His will on earth as it is being done in heaven. Unbelief is the lid that keeps a church from going to the next level. Unbelief is when we ask, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” Unbelief is a deficient conceptualization of the attributes and Person of God. Unbelief is stubborn pride challenging God to prove that He is God and that He is real. Where there is unbelief, the vision for a church and lives is impaired. Where there is unbelief, God might send us sprinkles when in fact He wants to send us much rain. Where there is unbelief, the idol of self gets in the way of the power of God. The curse of unbelief kills a spiritual life, a soulwinning and missions ministry, and a church; and allows a pagan society to proliferate. Are you skeptical, doubtful, and unbelieving? Are there no mighty works in your life due to the grip of unbelief within you?
There is the ELIXIR for unbelief.
First, we pull aside every now and then to rest and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the degree of unbelief that is within us. Come apart to rest, lest ye fall apart from no rest! Second, when the Lord places a big challenge in front us, we must submit ourselves to whatever the Lord asks us to do, obey His commands, and take time to glorify Him for what He does. The disciples failed to see the greatness of the Lord in feeding the multitude. Third, we need a revival in our prayer lives. All unbelief can be traced to a neglected prayer life. Fourth, the Lord might send a large wind or storm into our lives to make us realize how weak, powerless, ignorant, unbelieving, and sinful we have been.
Break the curse of unbelief in your life! Little results are indicative of little faith. Little power results in a little ministry. We have a God Who is BIG! Decide today to say, “I believe!”
Have an “I believe” God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 39-40