Word@Work 054 - Mark 5:6-8
Published: Mon, 02/04/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 5:6-8 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" (NIV)
Satan's dilemma is that, at the same time, he both hates and fears God. Demons are programmed to wreck the work of God, yet they know that He will punish them. This demonised man was propelled to confront Jesus, and yet could not avoid falling down to beg His mercy. The reality is that all who stand against the Lord must finally submit to Him. That will happen when Jesus returns: on that day many will be in deep grief when their 'worst fears' are realised (Rev. 1:7).
For this demon, it looked as though that day had come early and the terrifier was terrified. In fear of the pain of hell, it knew that Jesus has been given the right to consign the damned to its terrors. The commanding word of Jesus spells 'exit' to every evil power. It is the same today: it explains the bizarre double motives and standards of apparently 'normal' people who refuse to submit to Jesus - despite their rebellion, somewhere, they fear His overwhelming power.
The Christ-people should have no illusions. Jesus has not come to make the world a nicer place, but to dispossess evil of its power. That is why the gospel is so offensive to those in sin's grip (even if they do not know it). The good news of Jesus - is very bad news for the spiritual powers, which have seized control of the world. Strangely, those under their spell are both attracted and repelled to all that smells of Christ. So He gives us the weapon of His Word: it is the 'sword' He has placed in our hands. It is designed to root out evil - and bring release for many captives. It is not for physical violence or intimidation, but spiritual authority. Use it! Use it today! In Jesus' Name.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you that Your command sets free those who are trapped by Satan's power. Help me to value your Word, not to be ashamed of it, and ready to use it. May it be seen to be my rule for life and a guiding light for those in darkness. Give me courage to share what the Bible says with my colleagues and work contacts. In Jesus Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Satan's dilemma is that, at the same time, he both hates and fears God. Demons are programmed to wreck the work of God, yet they know that He will punish them. This demonised man was propelled to confront Jesus, and yet could not avoid falling down to beg His mercy. The reality is that all who stand against the Lord must finally submit to Him. That will happen when Jesus returns: on that day many will be in deep grief when their 'worst fears' are realised (Rev. 1:7).
For this demon, it looked as though that day had come early and the terrifier was terrified. In fear of the pain of hell, it knew that Jesus has been given the right to consign the damned to its terrors. The commanding word of Jesus spells 'exit' to every evil power. It is the same today: it explains the bizarre double motives and standards of apparently 'normal' people who refuse to submit to Jesus - despite their rebellion, somewhere, they fear His overwhelming power.
The Christ-people should have no illusions. Jesus has not come to make the world a nicer place, but to dispossess evil of its power. That is why the gospel is so offensive to those in sin's grip (even if they do not know it). The good news of Jesus - is very bad news for the spiritual powers, which have seized control of the world. Strangely, those under their spell are both attracted and repelled to all that smells of Christ. So He gives us the weapon of His Word: it is the 'sword' He has placed in our hands. It is designed to root out evil - and bring release for many captives. It is not for physical violence or intimidation, but spiritual authority. Use it! Use it today! In Jesus' Name.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank you that Your command sets free those who are trapped by Satan's power. Help me to value your Word, not to be ashamed of it, and ready to use it. May it be seen to be my rule for life and a guiding light for those in darkness. Give me courage to share what the Bible says with my colleagues and work contacts. In Jesus Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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