Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:21-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. Verse 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Verse 23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, Verse 24and 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." Verse 25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" Verse 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. Verse 27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching-with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." Verse 28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.
Devotion
Authority. As boss in my little office, I can choose copier paper freely. It's a simple, natural thing. It was that simple and natural for Jesus, Son of God, to teach the Hebrew Scriptures. It was that simple and natural for Jesus to tell a noisy and chaotic spirit, "Shut up and get out!"
But choosing copy paper is not my main job. Teaching Scripture and rebuking spirits weren't Jesus' main jobs. No, God authorized Jesus—and through Jesus, God authorizes me and you—to "proclaim the good news of God." Simply and naturally that good news is this: It's time! God's effective presence is as close as your right hand. Adjust your strategy for living. Live as though it's really true! (Mark 1:15)
Prayer
Holy God, let us know and love you as Jesus knew you. Give us authority to proclaim your good news simply, naturally with complete confidence. Amen.