This morning’s message is titled, “And Deliver Us from Evil.”
Text: Mark 5:1-20 (NIV)
Main idea: Whatever the evil one twists, the Lord can straighten.
Vs. 4 – “No one was strong enough to subdue him”
- People are no match for the evil one.
- “Father forgive them, for they know not what thy do.” is a reflection of Jesus’ awareness that mankind is hopelessly imprisoned in a diabolical deception that obscures His true identity and keeps us imprisoned in lifelessness.
Vs. 5 – “Night and day he would cry out and harm himself.”
- The evil one has no mercy.
- Only the mercy of God preserved this an until Jesus could reach him.
- Only the mercy of God preserved us until Jesus could reach us.
- So, the evil one targets our health, our jobs, our families, our finances, our fellowship.
- Still, whatever the evil one twists, the Lord can straighten.
Vs. 7 – “Top of his voice… ‘Jesus, Son of the Most High God…’”
- The evil one knows the truth about Jesus’ identity.
- This is a preview of things to come when every knee will bow, including the evil one’s.
- Until then we are engaged in a “War of propaganda.”
- The evil one lies about Jesus to everyone else but when Jesus, the Truth confronts him directly, he has to tell the truth.
Also Vs. 7 – “Swear to God that you won’t torture me.”
- The evil one knows He is powerless against the Most High
- Torture me. The evil one is a rival but not equal in power to the Most High.
- Here he was tormenting this man but he’s begging to not be tortured.
- Lyrics to A mighty fortress is our God
Vs. 15 – “Clothed and in his right mind.
- The Lord can calm any storm the evil one creates. Whatever the evil one twists, the Lord can straighten
- Who would have thought in the span of 20 verses, the man in the beginning of this chapter would wind up being a missionary?
- “They were afraid.” God can do things so miraculous. It’s hard to trust the truth of it.
Vs. 18 – “Begged to go with Him”
- It was personal for the man whom Jesus healed. He didn’t want religion. He wanted Jesus.
- As God blesses us to focus on Christ Himself, it amazingly simplifies “spirituality” and filters out religious static and legalistic compliance to religious rules.
- When I became a believer I wanted Jesus, too. It’s easy to get caught up. In recent years, the Lord has sharpened my focus on that singular desire. This morning, Iwrote:
- “I want to live in the freedom of trusting in Your greatness. May every event of today, every emotion, every thought, every interaction, every trial, every pleasure, lead me to greater trust in You.”
Conclusion: Out of all the satanic activity taking place on earth, the Lord is authoring an encyclopedia of amazing stories. He is the Lord of all that is lovely and the deliverer from all that is evil. Whatever the evil one twists, He is able to straighten.
Clinton Scott says
Sometimes, it pays to revisit a spiritual message. Sometimes, I cannot absorb the full impact of a live broadcast (in real-time) because I am too busy trying to keep up. Maybe, at the time, I am too busy taking notes at the time or otherwise distracted with my own thoughts of trying to think things through. Sometimes, I need to revisit an Elder’s message, quiet my mind, put my thoughts aside, and hear what the Spirit is saying to my heart.
This is the kind of spiritual message that warrants a second and third spiritual hearing. Often, I have sat and listened to my pastor and other Elders talk passionately about the importance of having a relationship with Jesus. And yes, at those times, I did listen with my whole heart, and yes, those messages did deepen my relationship with our Lord. And, I am grateful for that. But, for some strange reason, revisiting this “Independence Day” message struck a responsive chord within me that took me totally by surprise. So much so that I feel compel to respond. In my second hearing of this message, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me not only the awesome power of my personal relationship with our Lord, but He opened my eyes to the many different aspects my relationship can take with other cherished members of His beloved body.
Thank you, Jesus for opening my eyes so that I can behold Your glory and witness Your triumphant power over the Evil One! Amen.