May 28
Mark1:21-28
The appearance of evil spirits possessing humans is a common occurrence during the earthly life of Jesus. In fact, around 20% of Jesus’ recorded miracles include helping people troubled by demons. The good news is, God is bigger than the boogie man! In these verses, we see the authority and the power of Jesus. In sporting events, even when the teams are unequal in skill, there is always a chance for either team to win. In fact, it is not all that uncommon for the underdog to surprise fans and announcers and bump the number one team down a few notches. We even have a term for that kind of game: an upset. The battle between God and Satan is not like a football game. Demons know there can be no victory against God. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder.” (James 2:19 NIV) The year that Missouri beat Arkansas in the Cotton bowl, I was living in Arkansas. My husband and I would wear our Mizzou hats and shirts everywhere. We got lots of dirty looks, but we didn’t care, because we were the winning team. What would it be like to be the winning team every game? What would it be like to KNOW you couldn’t be defeated? Well, it would be like being on God’s team! Isn’t it awesome to know that our enemy shudders at the name of our Coach? God’s power is above all else! In sports, I’m generally a fan of upsets, but in life, I like knowing that when I’m following God, I will always be on the winning team.
Principle: Jesus, as God, has authority to deliver from demonic activity.
Application:
1. Jesus was in the synagogue on the Sabbath. What do I do on Sundays?
2. Do I acknowledge the presence of demonic activity in the world today and actively resist in Jesus’ name?
3. Whom will I tell of Jesus’ power and authority this week?
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Only about 60% of Americans believe in a literal devil. With all the evil surrounding us, I think it takes more faith to not believe in personal evil (Satan). When I pick up the paper to read it, there is no opposition. When I pick up my Bible, a dozen things I could be doing instead pop into my mind. Obviously when someone doesn't even acknowledge the existence of a spiritual adversary, they are not going to do well in the battle. James tells us to "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) I am thankful for this passages reminder that the victory has already been won, but I want to win more personal battles so that my life better honors God.
ReplyDeleteI talked to a woman last night who cannot forgive a man who molested her daughter years ago. When I read this passage I thought about how the power to forgive is available through Jesus too. Demons may not seem like a problem to many but all of us are aware of how difficult it is to forgive. We can win all of life's battles when we are indwelt by the One with Authority.
ReplyDeleteCurious, isn't it, that an evil spirit has a more appropriate response to Jesus than most of us today: "I know who you are -- the Holy One of God!"
ReplyDeleteSo that's my prayer: that I may truly know Jesus and recognize him for who he is - the Holy One of God!
I was watching TV this morning while exercising and the headline was about a mother who reported she and her daughter were kidnapped. It was a hoax and she has been arrested. It was reported that she has many personal problems because of prior choices. How desperate she must feel! It is my prayer that she find Jesus and realize she is being led by satan. It is my prayer today that I realize when I'm giving in and not trusting the authority Jesus has over my enemies.
ReplyDeleteI agree Bob! I feel like sometimes I minimize Jesus and his power; and I don't have enough faith to believe in it. But that Evil Spirt was right, He is the HOLY One of God! It is very exiting to be on his team, and to know we have that power on our side. The power to drive out demons. This reminds me of that David Crowder Song, We Win. The chorus goes: We've already won, and you don't have a chance! I love that!
ReplyDeleteLiving in the power and authority of Christ should give credence to our words. Just as the display of Jesus' power made the people take notice of His teaching.
ReplyDeleteWow Sarah, I LOVE your analogy! How true it is & how often we forget that we ARE on the winning team! The victory HAS already been won! What a comfort this should be to us. And why is it that after a big football victory we can talk about it for weeks, and yet here is this much bigger, infinitely better victory that we are sometimes even afraid to talk about? I want everyone I see to know about the saving power of Jesus. How can I make the excitement of this evident to everyone around me?
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree He is the Holy one of God. As I read this I think about the times I have said, "What, Why are you doing ...? Questioning God and what He has planned for me is allowing the evil spirit to take over. I need to remembember to tell the evil spirit to go away and accept what Jesus is telling me without complaints or arguments.
ReplyDeleteFive words: "[A]s one who had authority." I've said it over and over tonight. Jesus acted with authority, and I can too because He resides within me.
ReplyDeleteI've battled fear most of my life; I'm talking about a crippling, controlling fear, but God has taught me that I was not meant to live in fear. I was meant for freedom.
Days and nights, I cried out to God for deliverance, and in the process, God taught me how to live with authority. I take captive my thoughts. I make them obedient to Him.
Recently, I was talking to my aunt who is going through a battle that in many ways is similar to what I have faced. She said that she never truly understood freedom until her current battle began. The battle has not ended, but she is acting like one who has authority. She is striving to consider His truth in the midst of the battle.
Satan is a big fat liar, and I don't want His stupid lies to control me. I want to live with authority, and I want to demonstrate that authority in my life. So I will consider what is true, what is noble, what is right, what is pure. . .