Let God Speak! Mark's Gospel : Day 4

Day 4: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus Drives out an Evil Spirit

Capernaum became the centre of Jesus’ public life and ministry. This display of evil in a man in the Synagogue was evidence that the Jewish Rabbis and the people were living in the shadow of fear as predicted in Isaiah 9:2. Jesus’ authority in this confrontation, and in his teaching, is part of the evidence that he was the Saviour sent to deliver the people from evil.

Evil is real and can appear in the person of demonic beings.

The kind of evil shown here is actual possession by demonic beings (who

spoke instead of the man) and can occur in those who have not actively closed the door to any past conscious or unconscious involvement with evil powers. Jesus, and his followers in the Church, have full authority in those situations. If you think you think are being disturbed by evil spirits it is important you talk to another trusted believer in Jesus to help you in the process of being set free.

Apart from this Christians can be battered by discouragement, feelings of worthlessness and non-specific spiritual opposition, accusation and persecution. This intimidation by evil forces wears us down. It is important to realise that these experiences cannot destroy us and we still have Jesus’ full authority to persevere when we are under that pressure. (1 Peter 5:8-9) God is using it to allow us to grow and the word of God needs to be strongly working within us. That the reason why daily readings such as this course in Mark’s gospel are so important.

Take some time to reflect on the authority of Jesus in your life.

Let God speak to you about the cleansing, refreshing and freedom that this brings to you.

Do you need to talk to anyone about anything that has been raised today?
Who will you speak to?