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21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28 NIV)
Happy Monday to you all, ConCafe Family! And may this be a day of wonderful joys for you, dear Friend! May we remember all for whom we are praying, and may we truly be people of prayer at all times. Pray for one another, and pray for yourselves!
The late Rev. Billy Graham used to respond to readers' questions in daily newspapers. One person wrote in to ask if Satan believed in God:
"Dear Dr. Graham: My friend told me about a passage in the Bible that says even the devil believes in God. Does this mean even the devil will be saved and go to heaven? I’m not sure I like that idea. — Mrs. A. McL.
Dear Mrs. A. McL: The devil and his servants certainly believe God exists because Satan’s sole purpose is to oppose God and do everything he can to block God’s plans.
The Bible says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder” (James 2:19). But I can assure you that you won’t see the devil in heaven!
For one thing, Satan would never want to go there, because heaven stands for everything he hates. Satan is for sorrow and death, but in heaven those will be banished."
Today's passage demonstrates that even in the sacred places, there could be and sometimes is, the presence of evil. Jesus, the One with authority, as He teaches is impressing the people, and annoying the demons. This man, whom all the people had probably known all his life suddenly interrupts the worship by declaring loudly, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are -- the Holy One of God!" Interesting that evil dares ask holy, what He wants with them? It's another way of saying, "Don't bother me! I am fine right where I am, doing what I do." We wonder, what would a demon want to do in a church? The answer is to disrupt, to interfere, to destroy, even kill all that the church stands for. Jesus answered this question in John 10:10: "10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Here it is happening! In a worship setting, the Son of God confronts a son of the devil. They ask if He has come to destroy them! No, that's your job, or it was until you met Jesus! Your job is threefold: steal, kill, destroy. Jesus' job is to bring life and that in abundance (or "to the full."). And He also drives out evil. Yes, even from churches, but especially from those who need deliverance from evil in their lives.
The people at First Church Capernaum were never the same after that sabbath worship time. They heard teaching as they had never had before, and they saw authority in action! Evil was driven out of someone's life. And guess what, that same Jesus, Who was present in Capernaum, still makes personal appearances, if invited. And, if further asked, He can drive evil out from our lives. And while some would say they don't have demons, they might have demon-like things in them that should be driven out! Insecurities about who they are and what their purpose is; any "ism-" that haunts their daily behavior, i.e., racism, ageism, sexism, etc. Hatred towards others, distrust of others. We believe the church exists as the arena where true transformation can take place, and we should take advantage of the One who still offers His services to retore and renew lives, beginning with ours.
What areas of your life do you need Jesus to change? Have you asked Him? May it be that today, a new life will be yours as you surrender the evil and negative in your life to the One who can turn your life around.
PRAYER: Loving Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit; may You make it new, pure, and holy. May I leave behind those realms of impurities and evil and may You lead me into the fullness of life. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Lead someone to Jesus today! And that someone may even be you!
Receive my blessings of peace and life,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
