In Mark 9:19, Jesus said to a father seeking help for a son tormented by an evil spirit, “Bring him to me.” The disciples had been approached first by the man, but they had been unable to cast out the “dumb spirit” (v. 17), which had tormented the boy from childhood (v. 21). Jesus healed the man’s son (v. 27), much to the dismay of His disciples (v. 28). The father, no doubt, rejoiced and was forever grateful, as surely also was the son. It is always a mark of wisdom to seek the help of the Lord.
Bring your child to the Lord. “Lo, children are an heritage [inheritance] of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Fathers, “bring them [your children], up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Have them in “subjection” (1 Timothy 3:4, 12) so that they might be “faithful children” (Titus 1:6). Further, fathers, love your children’s mother, too (Ephesians 5:25)! Mothers, love your children and their father (Titus 2:4). Like Hannah, bring your child to Shiloh and present him or her to the Lord (1 Samuel 1), and that child will more likely bring you joy and not tears.
Bring your cares to the Lord. Jesus warned, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life…” (Luke 21:34). If you have no “cares,” you are an exceptional exception! The Greek is merimna, meaning division or distraction. Be forewarned. The Word of Christ can be and often is choked out by such “cares” (Luke 8:14; Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). What can we do? What are we to do? “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Bring your commitment to the Lord. A wise adage needs to be applied to the Christian’s life: “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” There is no more noble life than that lived in service to “the King of kings and the Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 16:19). Commitment is evidenced by one’s loyalty to a cause. It is demonstrated by faithfulness, devotion and steadfastness. Slothfulness and slackness are never complimented or condoned but often condemned (Proverbs 22:13; 26:13; Ecclesiastes 10:18; Matthew 25:26). Hebrews 6:12 reminds us not to be “slothful” (KJV) or “sluggish” (NKJV) in our service to the Lord.
Essentially, Jesus lovingly said, “Bring Me your sins and I will forgive you; bring Me your cares and I will carry them for you; bring Me your life and I will bless, keep and crown you.”
