Jesus Ordered the Evil Spirit (A Reflection on Mark 1:23-28) |
| Jesus Ordered the Evil Spirit (A Reflection on Mark 1:23-28) Posted: 23 Mar 2014 10:14 AM PDT "[A man] with an evil spirit came into the synagogue and creamed, 'What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are – you are God's holy messenger!' Jesus ordered the spirit, 'Be quiet, and come out of the man!'" (Mark 1:23-25, GNB) Just when the people at the synagogue (a place of Jewish public worship) quiet and still amazed at Jesus' authoritative teaching (read my previous article) another amazing sequel came into the scene. A man with an evil spirit. An acknowledgement of who Jesus is. A great voice with authority.  I think the man with an evil spirit was there in the community all this while. I also suspect that people knew about him and considered his condition as incurable. Here we read that the evil spirit in him reacted very strongly in the presence of Jesus. Why? Why only in Jesus' presence? Because the evil spirit knew who is this man Jesus and His real identity. He is "the Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24, NIV). All this while, the scribes' teachings have no authority and power. Jesus, "the Son of God" (Mark 1:1), on the other hand terrified the evil spirit. Jesus silenced the spirit and delivering the helpless man from his demon. The people had never seen such authority before. So that was why "the people were all so amazed" (Mark 1:27). It is good to know that Jesus has authority over the spirit world, for God's archenemy Satan is still at work today trying to lure and control people who give him room in their lives. During one of my first mission trips to longhouses, I witnessed a missionary pastor delivering a man from evil spirits who practice black magic. The man heard the Good News and wanted to submit to Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. In the name of Jesus, at once the evil spirits were casted away! He is free! He is saved! If Jesus in us and us in Him, we are under His authority and protection because He is the One who has already smashed Satan and his demonic kingdoms. I told a student who stay in hostel one time, "Do not fear of the hysteria phenomena in your campus. That is Satan's strategy to distract you from fearing the One who have authority over all things. Satan fears (scare) Jesus. So you must fear (reverence) Him." It is fit that "the news about Jesus spread quickly everywhere" (Mark 1:28). I wonder have you heard the news about Jesus Christ? Have the news spread to you? He cares less when the evil spirit creamed, "You are God's Holy messenger!" But He is eager for you to believe and say, "Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior!" What is your respond? THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.   |
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