The Man with an Unclean Spirit
“21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet and come out of him!’ 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching — with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.”
Jesus Heals Many at Simon’s House
“29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31 He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
32 That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34 And he cured many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons, and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him” Mark 1:21-34.
Once again we are called to hear the “still small voice” of God. Even Satan and his demons hear the voice of God! You see, God speaks and acts with authority. Today we are challenged by many voices who speak with authority. But talk is cheap if not backed up with actions of authority.
And of course, I speak here only of words and actions of LOVE!
Jesus spoke, teaching the crowds “as one having authority and not as the scribes.” Jesus was different from all the religious teachers of His time because He taught with the authority that He backed up with His actions. Jesus taught without words when he cured the man “with an unclean spirit.” And all who witnessed Christ said this: “What is this? A new teaching — with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him” (verse 27)!
Today, take a look at your life and you will see that the “still small voice of God” stands on the foundation of remarkable acts of healing and mercy and direction in your life! God never speaks to you just in His voice, but also in His actions in your life. Look at your history! Look at your life! Jesus acts against the forces of evil in all of our lives, through both the Word and Actions of Jesus.
Today think of some of the times God acted in your life — and give Him thanks. And may the Lord bless us all not only with words but also with actions that “preach” the presence and love and mercy on God in all mod our lives. So today, preach the Word of God to others, and if necessary, use words!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” 1 John 3:18.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” James 1:22.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.
“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work” Titus 1:16.
“Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” 1 Peter 2:21.
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