Bible Pathways - Oct. 14, 2008
October 14
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus tells four parables about: God's Word (4:1-20), our witness (4:21-25), our spiritual growth (4:26-29), and the Kingdom of God (4:30-34). These are followed by four miracles demonstrating that He has authority over the material universe (4:35-41), over demonic spirits (5:1-20), over our bodies (5:25-29), and life or death itself (5:35-42).
Aman with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him. . . . when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped Him (5: 2-3,6). He then cried out because of his spiritual bondage, craving to be delivered.
While this wretched man worshipped Jesus, he suddenly cried out: Torment me not (5:7).Then Jesus said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit (5:8). A strange paradox exists in the heart of a sin-filled soul that has met the Master. And we do not pretend to explain the awesome emotional experience of Peter, when first recognizing his own sinfulness and Jesus' Deity, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord (Luke 5:8).
This man possessed with demons is an example of the limited power of Satan over the unsaved. He said that his name was Legion (a Roman legion consisted of 6,000 soldiers), illustrating the overwhelming number of Satan's demons that can motivate and manipulate a lost sinner. But, how we praise the Lord that no one is too great a sinner to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Oh, helpless sinner, how thankful you can be that God in His mercy will transform you to enjoy life more than you could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Regardless of how great a sinner you have been, do not fear to come near your Lord and Savior, and know that he that . . . confesseth and forsaketh them (his sins) shall have mercy (set free, shall be saved) (Proverbs 28:13).
The powerful Saul of Tarsus, who had a legal permit to arrest Christians and have them put to death, also confessed: O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 7:24-25). What a miraculous transformation followed his conversion. Little did he realize that his letters written in prison to the churches would make up most of our New Testament which has inspired millions.
Just think! The man with a Legion of demons was delivered and was commissioned by Jesus: Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish . . . how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel (Mark 5:19-20).
Thought for Today:
Often when the worst sinners come to Christ and are saved, He uses their testimony the most.
Word Studies:
4:24 mete =ive to others; 5:19 suffered him not =ould not permit him.
Cross Reference:
For Mark 4:12: See Isaiah 6:9-10; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for two weeks sponsored by The Lord Jesus Christ • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Government Official: Rep. Steven Rothman (NJ) • Country: Japan (126.7 million) off the eastern coast of Asia • Major language: Japanese • Religious freedom • 49% Buddhist; 45% Shintoist; 1% Christian; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Psa. 37:1).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34
