June 14
Mark 5:1-20
There are 3 forces we see at work in this passage; Satan, society, and Savior. (Warren W. Wiersbe) Satan is present (yet again) in the form of demon possession. Satan’s purpose is to destroy. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10a NIV). Another force we see is society. They did their best to control the situation by binding the demon possessed man, but their attempts failed and they were not able to keep him chained. “For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.” (vs. 4 NIV) Thankfully, Jesus showed up as the third force, our Savior. Jesus alone was able to get rid of the demon and make the man right again. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b NIV) In conclusion Satan is bad, society is pretty much useless, and Jesus will set us free. Which force is working in your life?
Principle: Following Satan’s limited authority results in bondage and destruction but surrendering to Jesus’ absolute authority brings freedom, love and rewarding service.
Application:
1. What area of my life does Satan control and will I come to Jesus for deliverance today?
2. What great things has Jesus done for me that I should share with my family and others?
3. Where am I refusing to honor Jesus because I fear financial or material loss?
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This was one of the earliest "foreign mission trips" in the New Testament. The land to which they went was viewed as a dark, evil place. The disciples still shaken from the storm the night before would have been frightened. The "welcoming committee" would have only added to their fears. But later, people in this region flock to hear Jesus. This man did what Jesus asked of him...he told others how the Lord changed his life. His witness prepared the way for a better reception later on. My daughter is in Thailand for 26 days. I am not afraid for her. One who is greater than all the forces of evil is with her. May the demons flee in the presence of the One who has authority to command them!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus for your absolute authority over all! The truth in the principle speaks volumes to me today. "...surrendering to Jesus' absolute authority brings freedom, love, and rewarding service." Even when our lives are surrendered to Him, we tend to hang on to thoughts that diminish our freedom and our joy. But He is absolutely sovereign and has power over all! Help me to remember it every day. To not allow pointless fears and concerns take away the peace and freedom found in trusting You completely.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder to fully trust in Jesus, not just in the things I want to surrender but in ALL areas of my life.
ReplyDeleteVs 19 really speaks to me today. Jesus is all the time blessing my life in big and small ways. I am to go out and share what He has done for me. He tells this man to "Go home to your people/family and report the great things the Lord has done for you." (NAS)I am to be a witness for him right here in my house, my neighborhood, at my place of work. Right here I don't need to travel anywhere. Mission trips are great but we also need to do His work in our own backyards.
I just re-read today’s scriptures and I think that vs. 19 was really speaking to me also, since I had underlined it this morning! I have a brother who is not saved and has a multitude of Very serious medical problems. I have tried so many times to witness to him, but he is just not interested. I have to admit that I have almost given up. And what was it that I learned a few days ago? Don't be discouraged when things don't happen in our time frame. I guess I need to Pray for fertile ground, throw out some more seed and then Pray for the right words for me or someone else to say to him. Thank you for the encouragement in this study.
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