Friday 27 September, 2019

31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! 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!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

Just like the people in this passage, I am always amazed by the power and authority of Jesus. But I also note that Jesus wasn’t running a media campaign or advertising on billboards (not that I am saying there’s anything wrong with that). The power of God stands on its own merit. The presence of God is sufficient to invoke a response. The authority of Jesus set one man free of what tormented him. Maybe I can be more invested in making sure that the power and presence of God is in me so that wherever I go people might be touched and changed. Not by me, but through me. Less hype, more genuine, humble presence of God.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that you have done for me. I pray that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit and that I would always be a faithful witness for you. I pray that you would be able to use me mightily for your Kingdom. May I be a vessel for your power, love and grace to be poured out on those around me. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Written by Christine Knight