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They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 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.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, throwing him into convulsions and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 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.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28)
For seven years I had the honor and privilege of introducing new pastors to old congregations. I stress old because of all that implies. I could see the smile on most faces, sometimes I could see the resentment and pain of having lost a favored pastor. And as the conversations began I could hear the title of today's devotional, "Don't disrupt what we have!" It made me sad because I knew that has been what has kept most churches from growing and even forced some churches to close. One church in particular did not hide their anger and hatred to most people. "As long as the church is here to bury me, that's all I'm worried about!" It closed down before most of them could die.
Jesus taught with authority and He was known by those old foes, the realm of the spiritual forces of evil. I'm talking about demons and evil spirits. They know Jesus by name, and by fame. And they FEAR Jesus because they know how the story ends; they are a defeated enemy of God. And it was in church (synagogue) that Jesus has His first show-down with a demon. I have often said this demon-possessed man was the chair of (Fill in the blank) committee or board. You have to wonder, how long did that demon-possessed man lead some aspect of the synagogue? We know his purpose (read John 10:10). But the surprising thing is that for a long time he went unchallenged. He could come and go as he pleased, and pretty much carry on whatever agenda of death and destruction he wanted. Not until Jesus taught did he feel frightened.
I have to ask this question: Is your church harboring such people now? A better question: Has Jesus been allowed in with His teachings and authority to change lives and make changes in the status quo to reach more people? The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect new results. This holds true in our worship, our programs, our ministries, our outreach, et al. Friends, we must invite Jesus in to challenge us out of our comfort zones and into those realms of service where we have not yet been. And then, the church will grow and see new life.
This holds true for our lives as well. If Jesus is still just an idea or ideal, what change has come over us? Unless we invite Jesus in as Lord and Savior of our lives, nothing good will come of us and our service to God. Today may be the day for decision. Jesus' fame spread by word of mouth by those whose lives He had touched and changed. And He's still doing it, if asked.
PRAYER: Loving God, speak to our hearts openly and honestly. Some of us fear change. Some of us are just too comfortable, but we all need Jesus. Share Him with us again and anew. Let us receive Him and allow Him to reign in our lives. Then let His fame spread among those whom we know. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Become demon-proof by asking Jesus to be your Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Requests: Dear reader, we understand that Charlotte Wilson from FUMC-Gonzales is having surgery yet again in San Antonio tomorrow. We do not know the details, but we believe she is allergic to the metal in the braces placed in her leg. She has suffered much and needs our prayers. The Rev. Emet Huntsman is scheduled for surgery tomorrow in San Antonio on his heart. It is a delicate procedure that involves freezing a part of his heart, and naturally prayers for he and his wife, Rev. Sue Huntsman. Thank you again for your loving prayers even for people you don't know.
