(The following is the February 9 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 1 and pay close attention to verses 23-28.)
Jesus cast out demons several times in his earthly ministry. On one occasion, when Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, a man with an unclean spirit shouted, “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (v. 24). At this early stage of Jesus’ ministry, few understood who Jesus was, yet demons knew. Demons know biblical theology better than humans, but instead of obeying scriptural truth, they fight against it (James 2:19.)
Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” (v. 25). The demon shouted and left after throwing the possessed man into convulsions. People already amazed at Jesus’ teaching were even more astonished that unclean spirits obeyed him.
Can you imagine how terrible it would be to be inhabited and controlled by a demon? It’s unthinkable. Modern movies on the subject cannot capture the horror of this biblical spiritual reality. To be made in God’s image, yet demon-possessed, would seem hopeless. Who could escape such an all-consuming threat?
Praise God that no unclean spirit is a match for Christ. Satan and his minions have no more power and authority than God gives them. When Jesus commanded the evil spirit to leave the man, it had no choice but to obey. Satan can do nothing to stop Christ from accomplishing his purposes in his people, the church, and the world.
Some people may think they are too far gone, sinful, and hopeless to be loved and saved by God, but they are not. With a word, Jesus cast out demons, and he can still instantly forgive, embrace, and change forever anyone who comes to him in repentance and faith.
Next Step:
Do you know people who claim to be too hopeless, sinful, or unlovable to God? Tell them this story from Mark and that whatever they have done is forgivable. Assure them that Christ can save and change them if they surrender to him.
Comments