From glory upon the mountain to conflict in the valley is a very usual transition.
No doubt his face was resplendent with some relics of the glory which had beamed from him upon the holy mount: yet it is remarkable that the people were not terrified, but ran to him and not from him: the glories of Jesus are always attractive.
Without their Master they could do nothing; they were like soldiers assailed by the enemy in the absence of their commander. His coming
Matters often come to their worst before they mend. The devil had great wrath, and put forth all his power, because he perceived that his time was short.
The Saviour returned the unbelieving “if thou canst” to its right place; the want of power never lies in Jesus, but in our faith.
A prayer most fitting for many struggling believers, in whom faith and unbelief are striving for the mastery.
Our Lord spake divinely, charging demons as one having authority over them. Let us confide in him, for all power is given unto him in heaven and in earth.
God reserves certain blessings, and determines to bestow them only upon those who offer importunate prayer and practise self-denial. Yet where disciples fail, their Master succeeds. We may take the most desperate case to him; we may take our own.
How sad our state by nature is!
Our sin, how deep its stains!
And Satan binds our captive minds
Fast in his slavish chains.
But lo, we hear the Saviour call,
He comes to our relief:
“We would believe thy promise, Lord,
Oh, help our unbelief.”
Stretch out thine arm, victorious King!
Our reigning sins subdue;
Drive the old dragon from his scat,
With all his hellish crew.
Shall we anger’s deep defilement
Cherish in despite of heaven?
Shall we spurn at reconcilement,
Who so oft have been forgiven?
If offence that folly gave us
Should our faith and patience try,
Like our Lord, who died to save us,
Let us meekly pass it by.
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