And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
(Mark 1:21-28 ESV)
At first I was having trouble relating to this passage because as Americans we usually blind ourselves and deny the spiritual reality of demons in our world and in us. But then I thought of all the lies that I have been hearing recently about my self worth and identity. I have been letting the devil speak lies that are harmful and destructive and completely untrue:
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
(John 8:44 ESV)
Yet Jesus is the one who speaks truth and if I hold to the gospel then God speaks all the healing truth to counter these lies I have been stuck in:
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:9, 12, 14 ESV)
By faith in Jesus I have become a son of God part of the family and a fellow heir with Christ. I am worthy and loved and forgiven again and again because I am part of Gods family.
This passage from Mark is a good reminder that Jesus has complete authority over the demons and the devil and their lies. The demons literally cry out in fear in Jesus presence. And through the Spirit Jesus gives us the same authority to cast out the lies from the devil in our lives.
So I cast out these lies about my identity and worth being wrapped in relationship and success and ministry. I cast out the lies that I am unworthy and unloved and alone in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Instead I speak to myself the truth of the gospel that I am worthy through Christs righteousness, loved by my creator, and a son a beloved member of gods family not alone at all. God I pray you continue to speak truth and protection over me. Thank you for the ways you have already been answering that prayer.
Amen
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