“Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority – quite unlike the teachers of religious law. Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” (Mark 1:21-27)
If it could happen during church one Sabbath day in Capernaum, it could happen some Sunday during our worship in Springfield. Change the location however you want, but know that this same situation applies. For whatever reason – evil still walks in the door of our churches. People come in with their demons and while they may not be identifiable to everyone in the room, that does not mean their purpose has changed. Satan’s plan is to destroy the relationships that God has with mankind. Period.
As I read this account of a Sabbath so long ago, I realized that you get no inclination that the people of this synagogue recognized the demonic power at work in that place. It was subtle enough that it slipped under their spiritual radar. That demon remained in their midst until the Holy One of Israel showed up to worship. Jesus begins to teach and the spirit within the man can no longer remain silent. Jesus sees what the members of this congregation cannot and begins to speak with authority that only the Son of God can. He intimately knows God. He has a strong foundation in the word of God. He knows how to use it and does not hesitate to do so. Jesus speaks, preaches and heals by the authority given to Him by the King Of Kings. The hidden demon does not stand a chance.
“Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” Why is the demon who knows the fate before him speaking to Jesus in such a way? Is this a last-ditch effort to mess with the minds of those who were in attendance? Were the words an effort to rally the troops against change and the very presence of Jesus? Notice, the use of the word “us,” and yet the scripture says “there was a man who was possessed by an evil spirit.”
Regardless of our understanding of what the demon was trying to do by speaking out, we need to hold on to a few truths that this account gives us as followers of Christ. Demons must flee in the presence of Jesus. When Jesus speaks there is authority like no other power. We as Christ-followers do not need to live under the reign of evil. We don’t need to sit in a room with demons. Jesus gave us the tools we need to use His authority and make them flee.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14) “And He called the twelve together and gave them authority over all demons and to cure diseases.” (Luke 9:1)
Friend, the power of Jesus’ word and the authority he gave over evil is not something that was only reserved for the twelve. Jesus’ word – the Word of God – has not changed. It has not lost its power or influence. It still holds the authority to cast out demons and break down strongholds. It is available to us. In fact, the sword of the spirit talked about as our weapon against evil in Ephesians chapter 6 is referring to the weapon that is the Word of God – sharper than any two-edged sword. Our problem isn’t that we haven’t been given the tools to fight with – our problem is that we don’t know the tools – we aren’t familiar with the word, and therefore we allow the subtle attacks to remain and further put distance between us and our Heavenly Father.
Friend, evil spirits must obey the word of God. They must obey His orders. I want to encourage you to soak up the word of God and then use it to do what no other weapon can do – break down the evil that surrounds you. You and I have the tools. We need only to stand in the power of Jesus’ name and fight.
Blessings!