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Friday, July 19, 2013 -- Ultimate Authority

Friday July 19, 2013

Do you know of a power of evil that seems overpowering and that causes you to do things you would rather not do?  Jesus met a man one day who was under such a power.  All the basic necessities of his life had been robbed from him - food, shelter, clothing, community, freedom.  The devil was stealing, killing, and destroying this man's life and he's trying to do the same to us today. Satan delights in making mischief in our lives and damaging us and our relationships in every way he can. 


Jesus and his disciples sailed to the area of the Gerasenes across the lake from Galilee.  When Jesus stepped on shore, he was met by a man from the town. The man was controlled by demons. For a long time he had not worn clothes or lived in a house. He lived in the tombs.   When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet. He shouted at the top of his voice, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God, what do you want with me? I beg you, don’t hurt me!” This was because Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the man. Many times the spirit had taken hold of him. His hands and feet were chained, and he was kept under guard. But he had broken his chains. And then the demon had forced him to go out into lonely places in the countryside.  (Luke 8:26-29 NIRV)

Evil spirits don't care what they use to trap us and destroy us.  It might be addiction or hatred, violence or lying, sexual immorality or co-dependency or a host of other things. 



The good news is that Jesus has authority that evil spirits do not have.  Jesus is God.  Satan, chief of the evil spirits, is a created angel who was cast out of heaven because of his arrogance and pride.  Satan is a defeated foe but for a time he has the opportunity to tempt human beings away from God's plan for their lives.  Satan, and all his demonic forces, know that Jesus has authority over all things in heaven and earth and under the earth. They hate him and hate his authority, but they have to submit to it.

Jesus gives life.  When we come to Jesus for forgiveness of our sins and the eternal life He offers, He has the authority to give it to us no matter what evil practices and thoughts have controlled us in our past,.  This is made very clear in this situation as Jesus interacts with this demon possessed man.



Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”   “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him.  And they begged Jesus again and again not to order them to go into the Abyss.  A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs. And he allowed it.  When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs. Then the herd rushed down the steep bank. They ran into the lake and drowned .... The people went out to see what had happened. Then they came to Jesus. They found the man who was now free of the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet. He was dressed and thinking clearly. (Luke 8:30-33, 35 NIRV)

Jesus allowed the demons to do as they asked.  Jesus set the man free.  Jesus can set you free.  He is the same today as He was when he encountered this man.  His authority is still the ultimate authority in both heaven and earth.  If the demons recognize this fact, will you also choose to recognize Jesus' authority and welcome His freeing power to give you the best life possible on earth and eternal life with Him forever in the age to come?

©2013 Partners in Hope   
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Audio for Friday, July 19, 2013 -- Ultimate Authority

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