“If” is such a big word wrapped up in such a little word. It has similar power as the word “but” when it is used in almost any sentence. I love you, but …. I would help you, but …. This medicine will help you, but …. The “but” negates everything said before it. In love there are not buts. Help or don’t help. Don’t make excuses. And I know one of the side effects of the medicine is death, so thanks so much for the offer.
The word “if” put into a sentence when asking for help places a big doubt right in the middle. “If you can” doesn’t express any confidence in the one being asked. You are really saying, “I really don’t think you can, but it is polite to act like you can.” Or it can be used as a manipulation word. “If you really cared….” You are trying to use the fact that they value their reputation as a caring person to get what you want.
Our text tells us about a man who is very discouraged. He has brought his son to the disciples to get him helped. They have been unable to help. All their best efforts have failed. And I can be this man has tried many other things, gone many other places, asked many other people for help, but all without the desired effect.
And on top of the failure to help, this man and his son get dragged into the middle of a theological debate. His son becomes a matter of intellectual mumbo jumbo. All this man wants is help, and he gets sidetracked. I can imagine him yelling, “Just fix my boy, and I don’t care how you do it!” But he holds his tongue.
Jesus enters and He wants to know a bit about the boy and his father. He takes interest. He doesn’t sidetrack him. And then the big “IF” enters. And even in this, Jesus still draws the man in closer. He gives him the opportunity to be real.
Faith and doubt can exist at the same time in an individual. To put it another way, faith is not the absence of all doubt. That is good news for us ordinary folks. I know I have some doubts. How about you?
And what I find remarkable is that this man asks Jesus to help him with those areas of unbelief. What a wonderful prayer that would make for us. Lord, help me overcome by unbelief! It is honest. It is raw. It doesn’t hide behind a religious pretense. It isn’t trying to keep up the appearances. It is right where he lives, even when all the imperfections are showing.
Oh, that we could be this honest with the LORD and with each other about our own spiritual struggles. Oh, that we could be this honest with ourselves!
The Arnold Journey 