Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29 gives much food for thought ...or lack of food, since it is talking about fasting.
'Got Questions' said that the New Testament 'fasting' was simply prayer so focused and intense that a person did not give attention to things like eating or drinking—so either way, Jesus is emphasizing that the demon described in these verses could only come out by intensive prayer.
Yet, I'm not going to focus on whether one feels it was intense prayer, or whether fasting was also a part of it. I am looking to the immediacy of things, God's (or Jesus') response, and our part.
The following are notes of mine I can barely read, yet perhaps I can return later and make more of it:
- angels/apostles ---& how or why things were handled differently. Approach ---Part of the problem/Part of the solution. Not that the angels or apostles were part of the problem, but perhaps they were involved with, and dealing with those who were.
- Joshua and Caleb gave reports, but others were not in agreement
- Land of milk & honey
- People needed to focus towards change & be serious, and to not only briefly, but continue that focus
- Immediate help came to Daniel in the lion's den, yet he had to wait several weeks for other answer (yet again, he was told God heard his prayer immediately). So, when is it that God responds immediately and may do something right away, and other times He has an angel or prophet communicate.
- God spoke directly to King David, yet another time he waited and sent Nathan.
- Jesus said not to show fasting (in public square), but other times ...and ....asked once together ....also effectiveness of tow or more gathered in His Name.
