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!"
—Mark 1:23-24 NLT
One of the things that we will see again and again in the Gospel of Mark is that the demons know who Jesus is: He is the Son of God. The demons know he is more powerful than they: He casts them out, and they obey his commands. Jesus is stronger than Satan, and he can defeat Satan and his demonic cohorts. Even though the demons know who Jesus is, he doesn't permit them to spread the news because he doesn't want the testimony of demons, and his time has not yet come. [1] Jesus will define his own identity by his life of service offered to others and given to honor God.
[1] John 7:8.
Holy God, guard my heart against desiring titles, accolades, and earthly notoriety. I know, dear Father, that Satan can use my pride to bring me to ruin. I also know, dear God, that the evil one can twist my reputation and use it to keep others from the gospel. Holy Father, please protect my reputation and guard my heart so that my life can be used to bless others and help them know the truth about your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 1:23-24 NLT
Key Thought
One of the things that we will see again and again in the Gospel of Mark is that the demons know who Jesus is: He is the Son of God. The demons know he is more powerful than they: He casts them out, and they obey his commands. Jesus is stronger than Satan, and he can defeat Satan and his demonic cohorts. Even though the demons know who Jesus is, he doesn't permit them to spread the news because he doesn't want the testimony of demons, and his time has not yet come. [1] Jesus will define his own identity by his life of service offered to others and given to honor God.
[1] John 7:8.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, guard my heart against desiring titles, accolades, and earthly notoriety. I know, dear Father, that Satan can use my pride to bring me to ruin. I also know, dear God, that the evil one can twist my reputation and use it to keep others from the gospel. Holy Father, please protect my reputation and guard my heart so that my life can be used to bless others and help them know the truth about your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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